By Mohammed Bello Doka.
In a successful operation, troops of the 192 Battalion Nigerian Army, operating in the 81 Division Area of Responsibility, have foiled an international ammunition smuggling syndicate. On Saturday, July 15, 2023, acting on actionable intelligence, the troops conducted a meticulous Stop and Search operation along Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State. They discovered a truck (ENU 697 XY) loaded with smuggled ammunition destined for Anambra State.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu
Director Army Public Relations told Newsmen that the truck contained 720 packets of Red Star Cartridges of 12 Calibre, with 25 cartridges per packet, totaling 18,000 cartridges. Additionally, there were 250 packets of live (black) cartridges, with 10 packets each, totaling 2,500 cartridges of the same calibre.
Mr. Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and the driver, Mr. Lukman Sani, have been apprehended and are assisting with ongoing investigations. Preliminary findings indicate that the ammunition was clandestinely concealed in an apparently empty truck and imported from Mali through the Idiroko International Border. The criminals managed to evade multiple checkpoints en route to their final destination in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they intended to deliver the illegal ammunition. Thanks to the vigilant troops, a potentially catastrophic situation was averted, ensuring the safety of innocent citizens.
The Nigerian Army urges law-abiding citizens to continue supporting the troops and other security agencies by providing credible and actionable information. This collaborative effort is crucial in combating security challenges across the country.
Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, commends the troops for their dedication and urges them to remain steadfast in their synergy with other services and security agencies. Their collective efforts aim to create a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians, fostering socio-economic development nationwide.
Edited by Ai Genie.
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