Troops of the 192 Battalion Nigerian Army (NA), operating within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility, has successfully busted an international ammunition smuggling syndicate.
The details of this feat from the army were contained in a statement by Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director, Army Public Relations.
The troops, who acted on actionable intelligence, conducted a stop-and-search operation along Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State and uncovered the illegal ammunition in a truck with number plates ENU 697 XY.
Nwachukwu explained that during the operation, the troops discovered a truck, bearing the registration number ENU 697 XY, which was transporting a large quantity of smuggled ammunition destined for Anambra State.
The truck was loaded with 720 packets of (red) cartridges of 12 calibre, containing 25 cartridges per packet. The total comes to 18,000 cartridges.
There were also additional 250 packets of live (black) cartridges containing 10 packets each, totalling 2,500 cartridges of same calibre.
The vigilant troops swiftly apprehended the suspects involved in the smuggling attempt. The individuals were identified as Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and the truck’s driver, Lukman Sani. Both suspects are currently in custody, cooperating with ongoing investigations.
Information gathered during preliminary investigation shows that the ammunition, which were surreptitiously concealed in a supposed empty truck, were imported from Mali, via Idiroko border.
A statement by Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations said: “The criminals had successfully beaten several other checkpoints en route their final destination in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they intended to deliver the illegal ammunition.
Fortunately, the timely intervention of the vigilant troops prevented potential chaos that such a large volume of ammunition could have caused to innocent members of the public.
The Nigerian Army is calling upon all law-abiding citizens to continue supporting the troops and other security agencies by providing credible and actionable information. Such cooperation is vital in combating security challenges across the country.
Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has expressed his commendation to the troops for their unwavering commitment.
He urged them to maintain their dedication as they work in synergy with other services and security agencies to ensure a safe and secure atmosphere for all Nigerians, fostering socio-economic development throughout the country.
