Anti-smuggling: Troops seize 88 bags of foreign rice in Ogun
The 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, deployed under Operation MESA in Alamala, Abeokuta, has successfully intercepted 88 bags of 50kg of foreign parboiled rice during a patrol operation.
In a statement released on Saturday, Capt. Samuel Akari, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, explained that the interception was based on actionable intelligence regarding the movement of contraband goods into the country.
The seizure occurred at 4:00 am on Thursday along the Rounder-Imasayi road in the Abeokuta North Local Government Area. “The drivers who fled upon sighting the troops were conveying the goods in two unregistered Mazda saloon cars,” Akari noted.
He also stated that a Ford bus, without a registration number and abandoned on the side of the road, was also found containing the illegal goods.
“The intercepted items and the three vehicles have been handed over to the Customs Ogun 1 Area Command for further action,” he added.
Akari further emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian Army, particularly the 35 Artillery Brigade, to collaborate with relevant government agencies. “It is crucial to work together in enforcing anti-smuggling laws to protect our national economic interests,” he stated.
NAN
