The Ogun State Area Command 1 of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, has intercepted a luxury passenger bus loaded with suspected military camouflage uniforms, cannabis sativa, and other prohibited items allegedly smuggled into the country.
Details of the Interception
Acting Area Controller Oladapo Afeni disclosed the seizure to journalists, stating that the bus, which lacked a registration plate, was intercepted through intelligence-driven surveillance after evading several security checkpoints from Lagos to Ogun State. The contraband was intercepted around 1:30 am on Sunday along the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway while being transported to the eastern part of the country.
Arrests and Investigation
Afeni confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizure and will undergo thorough investigation to uncover other members of the smuggling syndicate. The vehicle, belonging to a transport company, also contained other illicit drugs, including Colorado, and several uncustomed goods.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the military uniforms were intended for unauthorized persons and could have been used for impersonation or other criminal activities.
Seized Items
A 100 percent physical examination of the vehicle revealed:
- 197 camouflage trousers and shorts concealed in unmarked cartons
- Five two-piece camouflage uniforms
- 32 mixed camouflage innerwear and tops
- 154 parcels of synthetic cannabis indica (Canadian Loud)
- Seven parcels of Colorado
- Other goods still under investigation
Intelligence-Led Operation
Afeni emphasized that the success of the operation was made possible through rigorous intelligence gathering and surveillance. Intelligence reports had revealed that commercial transport operators were being used to move contraband goods along federal highways under the guise of legitimate business activities.
“Unauthorised possession of military apparel is often linked to impersonation, where criminals disguise themselves as security personnel to commit atrocities or facilitate the movement of contraband,” he said.
Handover to NDLEA
The seized cannabis and the suspects have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and prosecution.
