Nigerians have commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) for intercepting multiple truckloads of essential food supplies destined for Niger Republic.
The Customs joint border patrol team, Sector IV, operating in Sokoto, Northwest region, successfully impounded the trucks at the Kajji community on the Sokoto-Kebbi road.
According to the Coordinating Comptroller, Kolapo Oladeji, the intercepted food items were en route to the neighbouring Niger Republic through the Kebbi border.
He expressed determination to curb food smuggling amidst the ongoing economic challenges and soaring food prices within the country.
Oladeji emphasized, “We will leave no stone unturned to block food smuggling out of the country because of the current situation. Our people are hungry but prefer to take the food to other countries despite the border closures imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”
The interception highlights the growing struggle within Nigeria, where citizens face food inflation and economic hardship. The Customs officials vow to intensify efforts to track and obstruct routes used for illegal export, stating that those caught engaging in such activities will face the full force of the law.
As the nation grapples with internal challenges, the incident raises questions about the motivations behind exporting essential food items when there is a pressing need to address hunger and economic difficulties domestically.
