The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of Nigeria Customs Service has impounded a bus transporting two big sacks containing military uniforms and boots along the Ijebu-Ode expressway.
The Area Controller of the Unit, Mohammed Aliyu, told journalists in Lagos on Thursday that the white Hiace bus belonging to Chimezie Motors Nigeria Limited with registration number: JJT 905 XB, was intercepted on Wednesday.
Aliyu noted that the military wares were seized after a security tip-off from concerned Nigerians.
He said, “This is national security. Though they are not much but the damage that would have been done would have been much, that is why we seized them.”
Aliyu said his unit also seized 22 cars, including nine bulletproof cars.
According to him, the cars worth about N1.2 billion were intercepted inside a bush in Idiroko axis of Ogun State while others raided in different hidden warehouses in Lagos.
He said, “This is the second time I will be briefing the press since I was here. The first time, I told you how we seized contraband goods worth N1.5 billion within 2 weeks in office.
“Now, we have seized 22 cars, of which nine are bulletproof with duty paid value of N1.179 million.”
Aliyu further added that his officers intercepted 11,000 bags of 50 kilogrammes rice barely one month after it seized 3,000 bags.
He said, “We seize bags of rice on daily basis. If you wait a bit, you will see my officers bring in seized bags of rice. Most times, they come in a convoy and immediately they see our officers, some will escape while others are arrested.”
Other seizures made include 25 litres of vegetable oil and 245 parcels of India hemp worth N19 million.
“We don’t have any arrested suspects.
“They ran away. If you are in the bush, they always come in twos; the driver and passenger. Immediately you flag them, they will know they are in danger.
They will abandon the vehicle and run away. That is why we don’t (make) any arrest,” Aliyu added.