Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted trucks allegedly attempting to transport banned goods to the Republic of Cameroon, unveiling a significant smuggling operation in Adamawa State.
The trucks, laden with 600 50kg bags of cement each, were showcased to journalists at the headquarters of the Nigerian Police in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. This interception comes in the wake of an Executive Order issued by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, prohibiting the transportation of building materials across the country’s border through Adamawa routes.
Spokespersons for the governor and the Adamawa State Police Command, Humwashi Wonosikou and SP Suleiman Nguroje respectively, jointly briefed journalists on the incident. They disclosed that the trucks were intercepted just a few kilometers before Jamtari, a border village between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Wonosikou condemned the illicit activity, emphasizing the government’s firm stance against such actions. He questioned the necessity of transporting such a large quantity of cement to a border community within Adamawa State.
Nguroje reiterated the commitment of law enforcement personnel to enforce the government’s order, ensuring strict compliance with the ban on transporting building materials across the border.
However, a twist unfolded during the proceedings when Abiola Oyetunji, identified as the contact person on the waybill, expressed disbelief that the trucks had left the company’s depot in Yola. She asserted that the trucks could only depart after the goods had been sold, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding their departure.
The interception underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb smuggling activities and uphold regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and economic interests. As investigations into the incident unfold, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat illicit trade and maintain order along Nigeria’s borders.
