Customs Intercepts 20 Drums of Explosives, Arrests 10 Suspects
FOU CAC, EJIBUNU
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs, Zone A, on Tuesday announced the seizure of 20 drums of carbide used in the manufacture of explosive devices (IEDs).
The Acting Controller of the Unit, Deputy Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, who disclosed this added that 10 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The items which were concealed in a truck, according to him, were intercepted at Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
He said that the importer needed to have sought the approval of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for an End User Certificate (EUC) but did not.
He told newsmen, “On the seized 20 drums of carbide, it is instructive to emphasize that such importation raises concerns of national security. This is because it is a chemical used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and could cause danger to life and property.
“Allowing things like this chemical into the society uncontrollably, could create serious security challenge for the country. Carbide is flammable, reactive and can cause explosion hazards when mixed with other chemicals and exposed to water or moisture.
“It forms flammable acetylene gas that could be used to endanger lives by lawless persons. This is aside other health hazards, the chemical on exposure can irritate the mouth, nose and throat if not properly handled. Inhaling Calcium Carbide can irritate the lungs.
“Other seizures made last month from smugglers and importers who falsely declared their consignments include 1 x 40ft containing flavour seasoning, falsely declared as auto spare parts; 1 x 40ft containing auto interior accessories, falsely declared as filters/pneumatic transmission.
“1 X 40ft containing vegetable oil and foreign parboiled rice, falsely declared as used vehicles; 1 x 20ft containing 21 pallets of tiles, falsely declared as PVC floor tiles/floor bricks 1 x 20ft containing Padi Bitters, falsely declared as olive nuts;1 x 20ft containing unprocessed wood, falsely declared as aluminum ingots and 1 x 20ft containing bales of used clothes and shoes, with a used fake seal/Dangote Truck.
“Other seizures include 5,593 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice; equivalent to 9 trailers truck load; 56,725 litres of premium motor spirit ; 375 bales of used clothes; 242 parcels of Indian Hemp and 41 pieces of military camouflage bags”
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