The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has intercepted 3,300 cartridges allegedly smuggled into Nigeria through the land border, alongside other contraband with a combined duty-paid value of N365.1 million.
The seizure came barely five days after the Tin-Can Island Command intercepted 140 rifle parts at the nation’s second-busiest seaport.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Abdullahi Kaila, said the seizures were made by the command within the last two months.
Kaila described the interception of the cartridges as significant, warning that they could have devastating consequences if they fell into the hands of criminal elements.
He said the items could facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, adding that the seizure demonstrated the command’s intelligence-driven approach to border enforcement.
According to him, the cartridges and one suspect had been handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for safe custody and further investigation.
Other items seized included 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg and 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes.
The command also intercepted a used speedboat, a water bike, a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2016 Toyota RAV4 and a 2010 Nissan Versa.
Kaila further disclosed that officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a truck that was deceptively declared to be carrying food items.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50kg.
He said the command would continue to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent the smuggling of arms, drugs and other prohibited goods through the border.
News Credit to our media partner DailyTrust Home .
