ARMS HAUL @ IDIROKO COMMAND
The Idiroko Customs command has intercepted several rounds of live Ammunition concealed in five bags of expired rice.
The Area Controller, Ahmadu Shuaibu disclosed to newsmen today that the bags of rice were suspected because of the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks.
According to him, during the examination of the bags of rice at the border station, about 975 rounds of red star live cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in the bags
‘We recognise the potential danger of arms and Ammunition trafficking which is life threatening. We shall not renege in our efforts in combating smuggling activities in its entirety’
Narrating how he applied intelligence to bear in this overt operation, he revealed that just on Monday November 27th, ‘Our operatives went on a professional and intelligence-based operation to unravel the antics deployed by unscrupulous elements to bringing in live Ammunition through Imeko axis of Ogun state.
We have been on the trail of the Ammunition for about a week ago. Fortunately, at 0005hrs of the day,we got an Intel that that the 5 bags of foreign parboiled rice containing live cartridges of red star Ammunition had been carefully hidden in a Bush path along the Palace/Ayetoro Road, Imeko Afon local government area of Ogun state.
Our operatives went to the the spot and evacuated the 5 bags of rice without any encounter’. He commended gallant officers of the command and men for their bravery and Patriotism of the informant in partnering with the command.
Shuaibu stated that arms and Ammunition remains a high intelligence operation as it often attempts to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement. He noted that it requires concerted and collaborative efforts of law-abiding citizens of this country to check mate.
‘Proactive intelligence is required in this regard, as according to him, smuggling of arms and Ammunition is a menace that knows no border and feeds on the vulnerability of our society’
The elated custom boss stressed that the consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and Ammunition is severe, ranging from the Empowerment of criminal organisations to escalating crisis and compromise of national security.
‘For these reasons, we will not relent nor compromise waging war against smuggling of unlawful arms and Ammunition in building a safe and stable nation’
Shuaibu appreciated the enormous support of the Comptroller General, BA Adeniyi, MFR in enhancing their activities in Ogun State, while commending the synergy with other sister agencies.
He was also upbeat that the welfare of officers are being taken care of, adding that it was indeed a privilege for them to work for more than 200 million Nigerians.