Troops from the 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA) operating in the 81 Division Area of Responsibility, in a successful operation on Saturday, July 15, 2023, dismantled an international ammunition smuggling syndicate.

Acting on reliable intelligence, the troops conducted a thorough Stop and Search operation along Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State, where they intercepted a truck transporting smuggled ammunition destined for Anambra State.

During the operation, the troops discovered the illicit ammunition concealed in a truck with registration number ENU 697 XY.

The truck was found to be carrying 720 packets of Red Star Cartridges of 12 Calibre, with each packet containing 25 cartridges, resulting in a total of 18,000 cartridges.

Also, they uncovered 250 packets of live (black) cartridges, with 10 packets per packet, totaling 2,500 cartridges of the same caliber.

Two individuals were apprehended and identified as the suspects involved in the smuggling operation. Mr. Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and the truck driver, Mr. Lukman Sani, are currently in custody and cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the smuggled ammunition was imported from Mali through the Idiroko International Border.

The criminals managed to bypass several checkpoints on their route to the final destination in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they intended to deliver the illegal ammunition.

Thanks to the timely intervention of the vigilant troops, the potential harm and chaos that such a large quantity of ammunition could have caused to innocent members of the public were averted.

The Nigerian Army appeals to 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 Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to remain steadfast in their collaboration with other services and security agencies.

Their collective efforts aim to establish a safe and secure atmosphere for all Nigerians and foster socio-economic development across the country.