Customs Accuses Police of Aiding Smuggling of 300,000 Live Ammunitions

ABIOLA Seun I

The Ogun Command of Nigeria Customs Service has alledged that the large cache of live ammunition intercepted at a military check point in Ogun state was being escorted by the police.

The Customs Command had on Wednesday raised alarm over movement of about 300,000 live ammunition in Ogun State.

The interception came few months to the 2019 election and days after the National Security Adviser, Babagana Mungono expressed concerns over huge amount of illegal light arms in wrong hands in the country.
However, it was gathered that the ammunition were on Wednesday intercepted at Ijohun ,Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Sources claimed that the patrol officers of the Command had raised alarm after officers of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force were seen allegedly escorting the vehicles containing the ammunition.
Speaking to journaliststs, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command of customs, Abdullahi Maiwada said that officers of the command suspected trucks that were escorted by officers of the Ogun State Command.
He stated that the customs officers on patrol were not satisfied with explanation of the police and thereby followed it up to military check point where they raised an alarm and the trucks were intercepted.
His words, “The trucks were intercepted along Ijohun, Yewa North Local Government. There are three empty trucks escorted by police and upon enquiry by customs, Police informed us that they are investigating it to be a suspected stolen vehicles and they want to convey them to their headquarters.
He continued, “But because we are not satisfied with their explanations ,we decided to follow them to Army checkpoints where they were intercepted at the checkpoints and maybe they have intelligence.”

Maiwada informed our correspondent that upon searching the trucks, incriminating and catche of arms were uncovered where it was hidden.
“They searched it and found incriminating items like catche of ammunition concealed. Though, the vehicles looked empty but they carefully concealed it. I don’t know the numbers or the amount but the police who are in custody of the vehicles should know.”

But, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State, Abubakar Abimbola Oyeyemi said the police is not concerned about interception.
“I don’t think there is anything concerning the police in the matter but you can contact Nigerian Army, Alamala for more information,” he said.