Hyacinth Chinweuba
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd) has disclosed that no fewer than 1,401 irregular migrants were arrested within the one year and four months existence of the disbanded Operation Swift Response (OSR).
He also informed that the smuggling of illicit drugs and proliferation of small arms and light weapons used to exacerbate Violent Extremism and Terrorism in some parts of the country were significantly curbed within the period under review.
Monguno gave the hint in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service DC, Joseph Attah on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, made available to journalists.
According to him, the Team also recorded additional quantum of seizures of prohibited items.
” Meanwhile, a year and four months into the operation, the smuggling of illicit drugs and proliferation of small arms and light weapons used to exacerbate Violent Extremism and Terrorism in some parts of the country have been significantly curbed.
This is in addition to the quantum of seizures of prohibited items and numbers of arrested irregular migrants as the operation progresses.
As at 5 January2021;1,401 irregular migrants had been arrested while the total seizures were; 159,506.7-(50kg) bags of parboiled foreignrice; 10,447 bags of NPK fertilizer used for making explosives; 1,974 Vehicles; 895motorcycles;18,690.
The total monetary value of the apprehended items is about Twelve Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand,Five Hundred andForty Five NairaFifty Kobo (₦12,538,333,545.50). The priority remains to keep our borders safe from any inimical activity that will compromise our national interests. We therefore thank all Nigerians, especially the business community for their continuous support”, statement added.