The Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, on Wednesday, says it has intercepted a consignment of 300 rounds of live ammunition and other contraband following credible intelligence.

Police Public Relations Officer of the FCID, ASP Aminat Mayegun, confirmed this while briefing journalists in Lagos.

She said that the items were intercepted following credible intelligence received by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Annex, Mrs. Margaret Ochalla.

Mayegun said that the driver of the consignment was apprehended and brought in for questioning.

“A detailed search of the container conducted in the presence of the clearing agent and alleged receivers, led to the recovery of 300 rounds of 9mm ammunition, concealed inside a Nissan Frontier pickup truck.

“Other recovered items include: two Toyota Sienna vans, one Nissan Frontier pickup, one Scion XA vehicle, 24 bags of foreign rice, seven bales of used clothing (popularly called Okirika), cartons of vegetable oil, and various household goods,” she said.

According to her, five suspects have been apprehended in connection with the shipment.

She said that preliminary investigations linked the consignment to a US-based shipper, who allegedly failed to declare the ammunition and contraband, in the bill of lading.

“The illegal items were deliberately concealed among legitimate goods, with none of the contraband listed in the shipping documents, an apparent attempt to bypass port security checks.

“The FCID is now probing the origin and intended destination of the ammunition, as well as possible links to wider criminal or arms-trafficking networks.

“The department is working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Services to ensure a coordinated intelligence sharing and prosecution in line with the Firearms Act and other relevant laws,” she said.

The PPRO said AIG Ochalla reaffirmed the department’s commitment to fighting insecurity.

He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies, adding that the FCID remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and bringing offenders to justice. (The PUNCH)

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