Follow Us on Google
By Steve Agbota
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted raw materials used in the production of Improvised Explosive Devices(IED), and other contraband goods at Zone C command , between July 25 and September 23, 2023.
The zone covers the six states in the South-South geopolitical zone, and the five states in the Southeast geopolitical zone.
According to acting Comptroller of Customs in the Zone, Mr Kayode Kolade, said yesterday in Benin Edo State ,that the major explosive device intercepted was:Superpower 90.
Superpower 90, is a cap sensitive emulsion explosive having superior rock crushing capability designed for tunnel blasting and all kinds of underground and aboveground blasting operations.
Kolade expressed worry at the smuggling of explosives into a country grappled with insecurity challenges.
He called on smugglers of explosives to desist in the interest of humanity or face the full wrath of the law.
“We all know the security implications if these explosive components get to their destination unchecked.
“Superpower 90 is designed for priming applications and also used as a column explosive in surface and underground mining and general blasting.
“The high detonation velocity and the robust nature of Superpower 90 make it an ideal primer for the initiation of column charge.
“The disaster that could be caused if dynamites and landmines are detonated using these items is better imagined,’’ he said.
The NCS also arrested nine suspects linked with the seizures during the period, Kolade said.
He put the duty payable on the seizure of the contraband items at N1.59 billion, and demand notices raised based on infractions at N54.24 million.
Kolade listed intercepted contraband as an Armoured Bullion Van (ABV),417 sacks of Indian hemp weighing 9,194kg and 627 compressed parcels of the same weed, weighing 1kg each.
Others were: 1,329 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice and five cartons of codeine-based cough syrup.
Also seized were 761 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing; 883 cartons of unregistered or expired medicaments, including tramadol, 100 cartons of wines, and 5,737 pieces of used tyres.
The NSC also seized 335 cartons of foreign tomato paste and 300 cartons of foreign spaghetti during the period, Kolade said.
