The Nigeria Customs Service reported finding 1,245 live rounds of ammunition, five vehicles, and 203 bags of imported rice totaling N17 million hidden in a bush in the Yewa-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Bamidele Makinde, the state’s Area Comptroller, revealed this to reporters on Monday in Abeokuta.
He said, “On “At about 0024 hours on Friday, 12th August, 2023, the Roving B Team of the Command intercepted five old vehicles, (Toyota Camry with Chassis No. 4TIBG22KIWU312145, Toyota Camry with Chassis No. 4TIXK1263NU108237 and three Mazda 626 cars with Chassis Nos. JM2GD14H201568566, JMZGF14F201173029, and JMZGF14P20141862 respectively), loaded with 203 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each abandoned in a bush path at Tobolo Junction, close to an exit point to the Republic of Benin, and near Ijoun, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria.”
Bamidele stated that the Command discovered live ammo was hidden in 20 bags of rice while inspecting the impounded cars.
In his words, “During the examination of the seized vehicles and the item, about 1,245 rounds of 70mm (2¾”) live ammunition of Lion, Trust, Supreme and Redstar branded cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in 20 bags of the intercepted foreign rice.”
According to Bamidele, the things have been put for safekeeping while a search for the smugglers has begun.
“The Duty Paid Value of the seized ammunition and rice is N17,638,145.00 The items have been deposited for safekeeping, pending further necessary action.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the cartel responsible for the attempted smuggling of the items for arrest and prosecution,” he concluded.
