Customs Intercept Luxury Bus Conveying Military Uniforms, Suspected Illicit Drugs
The interception reportedly took place in the early hours of Sunday during an intelligence-led patrol operation by Customs officers.
Speaking while handing over the seized items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Idiroko on Monday, the Acting Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the luxury bus was intercepted without a registration number after allegedly bypassing several security checkpoints.
According to him, preliminary investigations suggested that the military uniforms may have been intended for unauthorised individuals for possible impersonation and other criminal activities.
Afeni disclosed that a thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 197 camouflage trousers and shorts hidden inside cartons, five complete camouflage uniforms, 32 camouflage inner wears and several camouflage tops.
He further stated that officers recovered 154 parcels of suspected Cannabis Indica, popularly known as Canadian Loud, as well as seven parcels of Colorado and other prohibited items still undergoing investigation.
The Customs boss explained that intelligence reports showed that commercial transport vehicles are increasingly being used to transport contraband across major highways while disguising as legitimate passenger operations.
He estimated the total street value of the seized military regalia and illicit substances at over N259 million.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure and are currently under investigation as authorities work to uncover other members of the suspected smuggling network.
Afeni noted that the discovery of illicit drugs alongside military uniforms raised serious national security concerns, warning that criminals often use military camouflage to impersonate security personnel and aid unlawful activities.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
