The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully apprehended 21 trucks laden with both food and non-food items that were en route to neighboring countries of Borno State.
The arrest, made possible through a well-executed sting operation, occurred at key exit points along Kalabiri/Gamboru Ngala and Bama roads.
Mr. Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that the vigilant operatives intercepted the trucks, preventing the illicit transportation of the concealed goods. Investigations uncovered that the foodstuffs were shrewdly hidden within the trucks, with the potential to go undetected if not for the sharp eyes and proactive measures taken by the EFCC.
The Waybills accompanying the goods indicated that their intended destinations were N'djamena, Chad Republic, Central Africa Republic, and Cameroon, respectively. This revelation underscores the complexity of the smuggling operation and its potential impact on food security.
According to Oyewale, the arrest of these trucks is a crucial step toward curbing the rising threat of food insecurity, a consequence of the unscrupulous activities of smugglers across the country. The EFCC remains committed to safeguarding the nation's resources and ensuring that such illicit operations are promptly addressed.
In addition to thwarting the smuggling attempt, the EFCC is actively profiling and investigating those individuals connected to the illegal transportation of goods. Oyewale emphasized that once the investigations are concluded, the suspects will face prosecution.
“The arrest of the trucks is expected to stem the tide of food insecurity occasioned by unscrupulous antics of smugglers across the country,” stated Oyewale, reinforcing the importance of the EFCC's intervention in preserving the nation's economic and food security interests. The commitment to bringing the culprits to justice underscores the agency's dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining a secure and prosperous environment for all citizens.
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