An operation by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area one Command, has resulted in the interception of 975 rounds of red star live cartridges concealed within bags of foreign parboiled rice.

During a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters at Idiroko on Wednesday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, revealed the development.

Shuaibu explained that the ammunition was discovered as part of a professional and intelligence-based operation aimed at uncovering the methods used by unscrupulous individuals to smuggle live ammunition through the Imeko axis of the State.

The Controller emphasized the Command’s determination to track down the culprits and ensure they face justice for their actions.

He recounted, “The suspicious nature of the sacks containing the rice, due to unusual threading and sewing, prompted our operatives to conduct a thorough examination at the Border station. This led to the discovery of approximately 975 rounds of red star live cartridges ingeniously concealed within the bags.”

“We are intensifying our efforts to apprehend those behind this illicit act and hold them accountable. We are fully aware of the grave threat posed by arms and ammunition trafficking, which endangers lives. Our commitment to combatting smuggling activities remains unwavering,” he added.

The Acting Area Controller expressed his satisfaction over his team’s successful prevention of “the malevolent intentions of those seeking to smuggle live ammunition into the country.”

He stressed, “Addressing this issue requires united and cooperative efforts from law-abiding citizens. Proactive intelligence plays a crucial role in this aspect. The cross-border nature of arms and ammunition smuggling exploits our society’s vulnerabilities.”

“Unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition carries severe consequences, fueling the strength of criminal organizations, exacerbating crises, and posing a threat to national security,” he warned.