Amid the lingering food crisis in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intercepted 21 trucks conveying food to neighbouring countries.
The EFCC made the announcement via its official Twitter handle, now known as X, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. According to the statement released by the agency, the trucks were apprehended in a well-coordinated sting operation along major exit routes in Borno State, including the Kalabiri/Gamboru Ngala and Bama roads.
The agency stated, “The trucks were intercepted in a sting operation at major exit routes along Kalabiri/Gamboru Ngala and Bama roads, Borno State,” the statement read.
“Investigation showed food items cleverly concealed in the trucks that would have gone undetected sbut for the eagle-eyed vigilance of operatives of the Commission.
“Further checks showed that the Waybills covering the goods carried by trucks indicated their destinations as N’djamena, Chad Republic, Central Africa Republic, and Cameroon respectively.”
The suspects involved in the smuggling attempt will face legal repercussions once investigations are completed, as stated by the anti-corruption agency.
This interception follows a backdrop of escalating food prices, which have sparked sporadic protests and incidents of warehouse looting across major cities in Nigeria. In response to the crisis, the Federal Government has pledged to commence nationwide distribution of grains this week.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to exercise patience amidst the economic challenges faced by his administration. The decision to float the naira and abolish the subsidy regime, announced by Tinubu on May 29, has been attributed to the economic hardships currently experienced in the country.
