The military from the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta has handed over 55 smuggled bags of rice to the Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

 

The Acting Assistant Director,  Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Lt Mohammed Goni disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

 

Goni said that, an alleged smuggler with a Mazda Salon Car with registration number TA 01 AAA had crashed into a military vehicle at Enugada, Lafenwa, Abeokuta on Friday, April 26.

 

He explained that the unidentified driver seeing the import of the accident abandoned the vehicle and the smuggled bags of rice.

 

 

The statement partly reads "in continuation with efforts to combat criminal activities and thwart economic sabotage, 35 Artillery Brigade has again intercepted a Mazda Salon Car with registration number TA 01 AAA Lagos, carrying 55 bags of smuggled foreign rice at Enugada Bridge in Abeokuta North Local Government area of Ogun State on Friday, April 26, 2024.

 

"The arrest and discovery of the smuggled bags of rice was as a result of Road Traffic Accident involving the arrested vehicle and the military vehicle. 

 

"When the incident occurred, the driver quickly abandoned the vehicle which was later found to be carrying the contraband.

 

"After preliminary investigations, it was revealed that the driver was en route to an undisclosed destination before colliding with the military vehicle. 

 

"It is important to note that this incident underscores the collaborative efforts and synergy between the military and other security agencies in the State".

 

Goni said that the Commander of the Artillery rigade, Brigadier General MT Aminu, represented by Major Gadzama Abdullahi  has however handed over the Mazda vehicle and the contents to the Nigerian Custom Service, Ogun State Command for further action.

 

He said that the items were received on behalf of the Customs Area Comptroller, Comptroller J F Ojo by Chief Supretendant of Customs, Edozie Onyeasor at the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

 

Onyeasor expressed immense appreciation to the military for the synergy and collaboration between the Brigade and their Command. 

 

He added that the partnership has spurred more operational success within the State and its environs.