Ogun: Customs intercepts ammunition in bags of rice

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has intercepted 975 rounds of Red Star cartridges concealed in bags of foreign rice.

The acting Controller, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing newsmen at the command’s headquarters at Idiroko.

He said operatives of the command impounded the ammunition based on a professional and intelligence-based operation “to unravel the antics deployed by unscrupulous elements to bringing in live ammunition through the Imeko axis of the state.

“The bags of rice were suspected because of the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks. This quickly arouse the suspicion of our operatives leading to their opening for proper examination at the border station. During the examination, 975 rounds of Red Star live cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in the bags.

“We have intensified efforts at tracking down the perpetrators of this nefarious act for them to be brought to justice. We recognise the potential danger of arms and ammunition trafficking; which is life threatening. We shall not renege in our efforts in combatting smuggling activities in its entirety.”