By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigeria, Abeokuta – The Nigerian Army 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Ogun State in continuation efforts to combat criminal activities and thwart economic sabotage, has again intercepted a Mazda Salon Car with registration number TA 01 AAA Lagos, carrying 55 bags of smuggled foreign rice from Benin Republic.
The Brigade Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Mohammed Goni, who confirmed the arrest, said, 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 at Enugada Bridge, Lafenwa, in Abeokuta North Local Government area of Ogun State on Friday, April 26, 2024.
According to him, 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.
“The Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General MT Aminu who was represented by Major Gadzama Abdullahi handed over the Mazda vehicle and the contents to the Nigerian Custom Service Ogun State Command for further action.
“The items were received on behalf of the Customs Area Comptroller, Comptroller JF Ojo by Chief Supretendant of Customs(CSC) Edozie Onyeasor at the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta.
“CSC 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”, Goni stated.
