Acting CAC Shu’aib addressing the press at the event.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The men of the Idiroko Command of the Nigeria Customs Service ably led by the all-round-alert Deputy Comptroller of Customs acting head, Ahmadu Bello Shu’aib have seized some ammunition cleverly concealed in bags of foreign parboiled rice.
DC Shu’aib made this known in a press briefing held at the premises of the Comand at Idiroko this morning. The acting CAC said in the briefing that “I have had the cause to invite you, once again to Idiroko to witness another monumental press briefing aimed at showcasing the dividend of our recent ant-smuggling exploit. Our presence here today, underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the security architecture of our beloved nation against insecurity. We are delighted to report that we have thwarted the evil plans of the enemies of the State from smuggling of live ammunition into the country.
Samples of the seized ammunition.
Nigerians are presently living at the edge because of the incessant security issues plaguing the country and some are adopting self help and group arranged security measures for deterrent and as means of security assurance, but the solutions deeply lie in the plugging of all loopeholes from which arms and ammunition come into the country since most of these come from outside the country.
“Arms and ammunition smuggling is a high intelligence operation as it often attempts to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement. It requires concerted and collaborative efforts of law-abiding citizens of this country to checkmate. Proactive intelligence is required in this regard. Smuggling of arms and ammunition are a menace that knows no border and feeds on the vulnerability of our society. 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”.
DC Shu’aib noted that intelligence gathered showed that these were to be smuggled in from the Imeko axis of Ogun State and added that “we got an intel that 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 spot and evacuated the 5 bags of rice without any encounter. During the examination, about 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”.
The acting CAC used the opportunity to as is usual make the clarion call for the public to be more vigilant and help with good and credible intelligence. He also thanked his men, journalists, the general public, but especially the Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi for his untiring support in the fight against economic saboteurs and his zeal to make sure that legitimate trade is properly encouraged.
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