In a decisive move to combat economic sabotage, troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army intercepted two vehicles transporting smuggled foreign rice along the Shao-Jebba Expressway in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The vehicles, a Mazda saloon car with registration number LNR 465 AL and a Premacy car with registration number RA 264 AA, were found carrying a total of 139 bags of smuggled rice.
The drivers were reportedly en route to an undisclosed destination before being intercepted by vigilant troops during a routine checkpoint operation codenamed “Operation Checkmate.”
Preliminary investigations revealed the smuggled goods were part of efforts to bypass legal trade protocols, undermining Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Major General Oluwafemi Williams, handed over the intercepted vehicles and their contents to Comptroller Faith Mathew Ojeifo of the Nigerian Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, at a ceremony held at the Brigade’s Headquarters in Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.
Speaking during the handover, Major General Williams emphasized that the action aligns with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s, operational philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a motivated and combat-ready force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and multi-agency environment.
In response, Comptroller Ojeifo expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for its continued collaboration and synergy with the Customs Service.
He noted that the partnership has been instrumental in curbing smuggling activities and enhancing security operations within Kwara State and its environs.
The interception underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic interests through proactive measures and inter-agency cooperation.
LV