Customs Seize Rifles, Ammunition Hidden in Garri Sacks Near Border
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges concealed inside sacks of garri. The discovery was made during a routine patrol along the Okerete-Ododo bush path, a route near the Oyo State and Republic of Benin border.
Mohammed Shuaibu, coordinator of the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, revealed that the arms were being transported in a Toyota Camry Saloon car abandoned by a suspect who fled upon sighting the patrol team.
“A search of the vehicle uncovered six rifles with serial numbers, along with live cartridges, all carefully hidden inside sacks of cassava flakes,” Shuaibu stated.
Since August 2023, the team has seized goods valued at ₦36.7 billion and intercepted 1,507 illegal immigrants, bolstering efforts to enhance border security and curb smuggling activities.
This latest operation underscores the persistent challenges posed by illicit arms trafficking in border regions. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and safeguarding national security.
