The troops of 192 Battalion, operating within the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, have successfully dismantled an international ammunition smuggling syndicate. The operation took place on Saturday when the troops intercepted a truck carrying a large quantity of smuggled ammunition destined for Anambra State. This accomplishment was announced by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Monday.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a thorough stop and search operation along the Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State. During the search, they discovered the illegal ammunition hidden in the truck with registration number ENU 697 XY. The truck was found to be loaded with 720 packets of Red Star Cartridges of 12 Calibre, each containing 25 cartridges, totaling 18,000 cartridges. Additionally, there were 250 packets of live (black) cartridges of the same calibre, with 10 packets in each, totaling 2,500 cartridges.
The two individuals involved in the smuggling operation have been apprehended. They were identified as Mr. Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and the truck driver, Mr. Lukman Sani. Both suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with ongoing investigations.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the ammunition was surreptitiously concealed in the supposed empty truck and smuggled from Mali through the Idiroko International Border. The criminals successfully evaded several checkpoints along the way and were en route to their final destination in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they intended to deliver the illegal ammunition.
The timely intervention by the vigilant troops prevented the potential chaos and harm that such a large quantity of ammunition could have inflicted on innocent members of the public. The Nigerian Army commends the troops for their proactive and decisive action, which averted a major security threat.
The army appeals to all law-abiding citizens to continue supporting the troops and other security agencies by providing credible and actionable information to combat security challenges across the country. The successful interception of this ammunition smuggling syndicate is a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the commitment of the Nigerian Army to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.
The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the troops for their dedication and professionalism. He urged them to remain steadfast in their efforts, working in synergy with other services and security agencies to provide a safe and secure atmosphere for all Nigerians, as well as to foster socio-economic development throughout the country. The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to protect the nation and uphold the rule of law.