The 192 Battalion Nigerian Army (NA) has successfully busted an international ammunition smuggling organization operating within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
The army revealed the facts of this feat in a statement issued on Monday by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations.
On Saturday, July 15, 2023, the military launched a methodical Stop and Search operation along the Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State based on actionable intelligence.
General Nwachukwu stated that during the operation, troops uncovered a truck with the registration number ENU 697 XY containing a considerable amount of illicit munitions bound for Anambra State.
The unlawful cargo included 720 packs of 12 Calibre Red Star Cartridges, each carrying 25 cartridges, for a total of 18,000 cartridges. They also discovered 250 packages of live (black) cartridges, each containing 10 packets, for a total of 2,500 cartridges of the same calibre.
The culprits involved in the smuggling attempt were quickly arrested by the attentive military. Mr. Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and Mr. Lukman Sani, the truck’s driver, were recognized. Both suspects are still being held in jail and are cooperating with ongoing investigations.
According to preliminary investigations, the illegal ammo was hidden within the vehicle, which appeared to be empty. The illegal shipment was brought in from Mali via the Idiroko International Border. The crooks managed to avoid many more checks on their way to Onitsha, Anambra State, where they planned to distribute the illegal ammo.
Fortunately, the prompt involvement of the watchful military stopped the potential disruption that such a significant quantity of ammunition may have caused to innocent members of the public.
The Nigerian Army is urging all law-abiding individuals to continue giving credible and actionable information to the military and other security authorities. Such collaboration is critical in addressing the country’s security concerns.
The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has praised the troops for their unflinching dedication.
He asked them to sustain their commitment as they collaborate with other services and security agencies to provide a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians, supporting socioeconomic development across the country.
