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The Nigeria Customs Service seized 20 drums of carbide in the Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun state in August.

Addressing journalists in Ikeja on Tuesday, the acting Customs Area Controller in charge of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Comptroller, Ejibunnu Hussain, disclosed that the Duty Paid Value of the seized explosives is N33m.

Explaining further, Ejibunnu said the material is used in the production of improvised explosive devices. He added that the importation of this kind of substance must get approval from the office of the National Security Adviser.

He said, “The unit seized 20 drums of Carbide, along Ijebu-Ode in August. The substance used to produce IED. If allowed to get into the hands of unscrupulous persons, it could cause very serious security concerns. And the importation of this has to be approved with an End User Certificate from the office of the National Security Adviser.”

Ejibunnu stated that whoever is coming to lay claim to the consignment must come with an End User Certificate obtained from the office of the NSA.

He also said 10 suspects were arrested by the unit in connection with different seizures within the period under review. He however disclosed that the suspects were at various stages of investigation.

Listing other seizures, he stated, “1 x 40ft containing flavour seasoning, falsely declared as auto spare parts, 1 x 40ft containing auto interior accessories, falsely declared as filters/pneumatic transmission.”