The Kaduna Area Commander of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Dalha Wada Chedi confirmed the development saying the criminals hijacked the trucks within a dense forest as they were being transported into Nigeria.
According to him, the bandits seized the merchandise after the smugglers opted to transport the illicit goods through the forest a few days ago near the Batsari region in Katsina State.
At a press conference held yesterday, Chedi, of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B in Kaduna, announced that smugglers have been utilizing perilous pathways monitored by bandits to illegally bring items into the country.
“We just received the news less than 24 hours ago that bandits have seized two trucks loaded with smuggled items inside the forest.
“We also understand that a J5 vehicle was also seized by the bandits around that axis,” he said.
The comptroller announced that customs would be collaborating with other security agencies to close off all unlawful borders in areas such as Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force said 40 persons who were arrested for oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta have indicted companies and individuals, who include foreign collaborators.
The Force said two vessels transporting stolen crude oil were also intercepted at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, the arrest was in conjunction with the military and other relevant security agencies.
He said security agents have been in liaison on intelligence sharing and collaboration with private security contractors engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, especially the Tantita Security Services.
“The efforts led to the arrest of 40 suspected individuals and recovery of two vessels in two different interceptions at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State, for conspiracy, tampering with oil pipeline, illegal transportation of crude oil, dealing in crude and storing same without lawful authority or appropriate license amongst others,” Adejobi stated.
He disclosed that the suspects were apprehended and subjected to investigation, having established a prima facie case against them.
“They will be arraigned in court to face charges related to economic sabotage and oil theft which have been filed.
“Similarly, vessels used in the illegal activities have been seized as part of the evidence against the suspects.
“Specifically, arraignment for suspects involved in the case of one of the vessels is scheduled for 26th February 2024 while the motion for interim forfeiture of the vessel and products contained therein will be heard on 19th February 2024,” the FPRO said.
He added that “preliminary investigations have indicted numerous individuals and companies including their foreign collaborators” who will be interrogated and caused to face the full wrath of the law.”
