The Nigerian Army said in continuation of its efforts to combat criminal activities and thwart economic sabotage, troops from 22 Armoured Brigade on snap Operation Checkmate have arrested smugglers and recovered 139, bags of foreign rice.

The suspects operating with two vehicles an Ash colour Mazda Salon Car with registration number LNR 465 AL and a Premacy Wine colour with registration number RA 264 AA both conveying the smuggled foreign rice were arrested along Shao-Jebba Expressway, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday,13 January, 2025.

Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 22 Armoured Brigade Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo, in a statement, said Preliminary investigations revealed that the drivers were en route to an undisclosed destination before been apprehended by vigilant troops who mounted checkpoint to check mate activities of criminal elements.

Nwankwo, said The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Major General Oluwafemi Williams has since handed over the vehicles and the contents to the Comptroller, Nigerian Custom Service Kwara Area Command Compt Faith Mathew Ojeifo for further action at Headquarters 22 Armoured Brigade Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin. The Commander remarked that his action is in line with the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede Command Philosophy, which is

“to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards Bequeathing a well motivated and combat ready force that can effectively Discharge it’s Constitutional Responsibilities within a joint and Multi Agency Environment.”

Comptroller Ojeifo expressed immense appreciation to the Army for the synergy and collaboration between the Brigade and his command. He added that the partnership has spur operational success within the state and its environs.