Customs Intercepts 6 Pump Action Rifles, 1,125 Live Cartridges In Oyo

The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), Sector 2, South West Zone of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos, on Friday announced the interception of six pump action rifles and 1,125 pieces of live cartridges in Oyo State.

Speaking at the JBPT valedictory press briefing to mark the end of the ad-hoc unit, the Coordinator, Mohammed Shuaibu said the unit also arrested 1,507 irregular immigrants between 2019 and 2024.

According to him, the unit also intercepted contraband worth N36.7 billion within the period.

Giving the details of the arms and ammunition seized, Shuaibu said the live cartridges were found to be carefully concealed inside sacks containing cassava flakes.

“On December 4, 2024, a patrol team sighted a man running away from a stationed Toyota Camry Saloon car along the Okerete-Odo bush path of Oyo State. The fleeing man’s action raised suspicion on the abandoned vehicle, and it was intercepted.

“After conducting a search on the vehicle, it was found to contain six pump-action rifles with the following numbers: 602-H22YT- 641; 602-H22YT-397; 602-H22YT-623; 22-MT-0238; P537916, and T051084.

“A total of 1,125 pieces of live cartridges were found to be carefully concealed inside sacks containing cassava flakes,” he added.

He said prominent among other seizures recorded from 20 August 2019 till date include 130,954 bags of 50kg foreign rice (50kg) equivalent to 218 truckloads; 7,200kg of pangolin scales and 5,575,020 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

Others seized items include 11,322 cartons of foreign frozen products; 4,124 bales of used clothes, 4,057 kegs of vegetable oil, 15 pump action riffles, 280 suspected cases of human trafficking, 480 units of motor vehicles and 1,190 means of conveyance.

According to him, the Sector’s efforts also boosted the Federal Government’s revenue through auction sales, adding that an aggregate of N1.140 billion was paid into the federation account from the sale of seized petroleum products.

He further stated that through the seizures, the nation’s security was enhanced by disrupting the supply chains of illicit goods which had security implications and concerns.

Shuaibu noted that the JBPT Sector 2 encountered some operational challenges like any other establishment, however, he stated that these challenges were surmounted through collaboration with some critical stakeholders, developing innovative problem-solving skills and commitment to effective leadership and management.

He commended the officers and men of JBPT Sector 2 across the component security agencies as well as patriotic citizens and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to fighting cross-border crimes.

“I am honoured to lead a courageous and determined team that is committed to the safety and security of our nation. Your dedication, bravery, and perseverance have been instrumental to the successes recorded by the team.

“The tireless efforts you made towards securing our borders by suppressing smuggling, and the interception of illegal immigrants are not unnoticed,” Shuaibu said.