In response to the prevailing economic challenges and the rising cost of living faced by millions of Nigerian consumers, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully intercepted 21 trucks carrying smuggled food items destined for neighboring countries.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, March 6, 2024, through its verified X account, the anti-graft regulatory Commission confirmed the seizure of the trucks. These vehicles were transporting the confiscated goods towards N’djamena (Chad Republic), Central African Republic, and Cameroon respectively.
This recent operation comes at a time when food prices in Nigeria have been soaring. The country’s inflation rate has surged to 29.90 percent, leading to widespread protests in various parts of the West African nation.
The EFCC revealed that the interception took place in the North-East region, specifically along the Kalabiri/Gamboru Ngala and Bama roads in Borno State. The Commission commended the vigilance of its operatives, who discovered the hidden food items in the trucks through a meticulously planned sting operation.
Further investigations revealed that the Waybills, which documented the contents of the trucks, indicated their intended destinations as N’djamena (Chad Republic), Central African Republic, and Cameroon. The EFCC believes that the arrest of these trucks will help combat food insecurity caused by the nefarious activities of smugglers across the country.
The arrested suspects are currently undergoing profiling, and the EFCC has assured the public that they will be brought before the court of law once the investigations are concluded. The Commission remains committed to curbing smuggling activities and safeguarding the nation’s food security.