The Federal Operations Unit, Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service has said that it intercepted materials used for the production of explosive devices, cannabis sativa, and other contrabands with a duty paid value of N1.6bn between July and September.

In a statement signed on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the zone, Jerry Attah, the acting Customs Area Controller in charge of the zone, Kayode Kolade, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the government warehouse, in Benin City, Edo State.

He said during the period under review, nine suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

The area controller stated that the contrabands were intercepted at different locations under the jurisdiction of the zone.

He also expressed worry over the smuggling of explosives adding that the country has continued to struggle with the challenges associated with insecurity.

Kolade, however, warned smugglers to desist forthwith in the interest of humanity or have the law to contend with.