Two trucks heading to Niger Republic with bags of grains such as beans, millet, and maize were intercepted by the Zone ‘B” Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday.
This interception is one of many other recent incidents where NCS seized 15 trucks of grains in Sokoto State, 50 in Zamfara State, and four in Kano State.
A report from service intelligence says the trucks conveying the grains were stopped by Kebbi and Kangiwa/Argungu Natsini “FOU roving team” around 1:00 pm.
“Another interception at about 1300hours fou B kebbi Roving and kangiwa Argungu/ Natsini has intercepted two canters loaded with grains comprises maize, millet and beans going to Niger Republic. Both vehicles were taken to customs house Kebbi,” the report partly read.
In response to the escalating situation, the FOU Zone ‘B’ Kaduna has taken measures to impede the movement of goods and services in and out of the country by closing all borders within their Area of Responsibility and deploying additional officers to these areas, according to a memo from Unit Staff Officer S M Mansur, approved by Zonal Comptroller Wasa Chedi.
Mansur also urged the officers to ensure strict compliance with instructions to prevent any breaches.
Nigeria is currently struggling with a deepening economic crisis which has triggered widespread protests across the country.
In spite of the hardship, NCS intercepted 15 trucks of grains in Sokoto State on Sunday, 50 in Zamfara State on Monday, and four in Kano State, on Sunday.
Insecurity, rising cost of living, food shortage, and unemployment are among many other factors threatening livelihoods in Nigeria.