Security Agency Intercepts 50 Food-Smuggling Trucks En Route to Niger Republic

No fewer than 50 trucks moving foodstuffs out of the country to the Niger Republic were intercepted on Monday by the Zamfara State Transport Agency.

Shehu Sani, a local from Zurmi town, shared the news during a phone interview, highlighting the interception that occurred near Gidan Jaja village, a known route close to the border with Niger.

ZARTO’s spokesperson, Sale Shinkafi, confirmed the incident, stating the trucks were caught attempting to smuggle essential grains out of Nigeria.

Shinkafi emphasized that the operation was aimed at ensuring that these vital food supplies remain within the country to be sold at fair prices to Nigerians. The trucks, which were not escorted by agency officials, were instructed to return to their starting points and comply with this directive.

This action aligns with the directives from President Tinubu, who recently mandated key national security and law enforcement figures, including the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi, to work alongside state governors in addressing food hoarding issues.

This initiative comes in the wake of rising transportation costs and security challenges affecting agricultural productivity.