Customs intercept 450 drums of explosives in Ogun

Customs intercept 450 drums of explosives in Ogun

450 drums of calcium carbide enroute Aba in Abia State from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, was intercepted by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service in January. 

Customs Area Controller in charge of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, Hussein Ejibunnu, who disclosed this on Wednesday, February 8, said the explosives weighed 106kilograms each and had a duty-paid value of N24m.

The DPV of the seized goods within the period under review is N517m while N86m was recovered as revenue into the federation account through the issuance of demand notices for underpaid Customs duties.

Ejibunnu said the consignments are still under detention pending when the importer provides the necessary documents.

“This is calcium carbade about 450 drums weighing 106kg each with street value of N24m. The status of of this is still under detention because the owner said he has an end-user certificate for it so we are waiting for the presentation of the EUC. It was intercepted at Ijebu-Ode on its way to Aba.”

Ejibunnu added that following the failure of the importer to produce the EUC within the time frame, the service has no other choice than to prosecute him in line with the law.

A suspect has already been arrested in connection with the explosives.

Ejibunnu said; 

“It is important we note that this is part of the bye products for making bombs and with our eagle-eyed officers it is important to note that we have to be going after these things especially those that are under restrictions that some people will use the opportunity to bring them in.

“We have a time frame within 30 days we have a suspect with us, let him get us the necessary documents. As soon as he gets the documents then no problem.”

Within the period under review, the unit seized 68 pieces of military camouflage.