From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 6,240 items suspected to be explosive substances along Yauri-Jega road.
Comptroller of Customs in the state,Iheanacho Ernest Ejike who confirmed this while handing over the items to Department of State Security (DSS), Kebbi State, disclosed that two suspects were arrested alongside a canter vehicle and motorbike.
Ejike explained that because of the nature of the items, they could not continue to be keeping it in their custody for a long time, that was the main reason they are handing it over to the DSS.
According to him, “on Wednesday, the 6th day of July 2022, at about 0715hrs, a team of joint Boarder Patrol Team (JBPT), while on intelligence-based patrol, intercepted an item suspected to be explosive along Yauri-Jega road in Kebbi State.
“The team comprised of Nigeria Customs Service,Nigeria immigration Service, Department of State Security Service and Nigerian Army led by Chief Superintendent of Customs A.A Ibrahim (now Assistant Comptroller of Customs).
A joint examination was conducted in the presence of relevant units (Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and Command Officers and the suspected items were found out to contain 40 cartons and sacks totaling 6,240 pieces of cap sensitive dynamite explosives (super power 90)loaded on white canter with registration number ZUR 882 ZY.
“Also, a haojue motor bike with registration number JEG 562UQ was also seized alongside the items.
“Two suspects were apprehended alongside the detailed items; Abdullahi Aliyu(owner of the vehicle), and Alhaji Mustapha Garba Jega(receiver of the consignment).
“The two suspects have been charged to Court where they were remanded.”.
Ejike who noted that each dynamite explosives item are capable of destroying an upstairs building,said, the DSS who are responsible to handle such cases, would be handing over the items to in the spirit of interagency collaboration and for continue investigation”.
While responding after taken of custodian of the items, the Deputy Director of DSS,Kebbi State,Mr. Anthony Oduwalu, commended the NCS, Kebbi State Area Command for the deligent work.
He promised that the interagency collaboration which has yielded alot of results in the state,would be sustained.