The Zamfara State Transport Agency intercepted 50 trucks loaded with assorted grains on Monday in a bid to curb the current food crisis and hoarding.
News About Nigeria gathered that the intercepted trucks were attempting to transport foodstuffs out of the country to the Niger Republic.
Last Thursday, President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, to collaborate with state governors and take action against those hoarding food.
This decision followed a meeting with governors in Abuja, where discussions centred on the food crisis resulting from fuel subsidy removal and challenges faced by farmers due to banditry and kidnappings.
The Nigeria Customs Service had previously reported stopping 15 trailers conveying food through the Sokoto borders to Niger Republic.
Additionally, the Kano State Government sealed 10 warehouses identified as hoarding food items.
Shehu Sani, a native of Zurmi town in Zamfara, confirmed the interception of the 50 trucks at Gidan Jaja village near the Nigerian borders with Niger Republic.
The spokesman for the Zamfara State Transport Agency (ZARTO), Sale Shinkafi, alleged that the trucks were attempting to smuggle food items to Niger.
The agency directed the owners to return to their localities and sell the commodities in Nigeria at appropriate prices.
Sale Shinkafi clarified that the trucks were not accompanied by ZARTO officials but were instructed to sell the commodities within the country.
Addressing the issue of food smuggling, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) blamed wholesalers for purchasing large quantities of food from local farmers and exporting them to neighbouring countries.
Shakin Agbayewa, Vice Chairman of AFAN, Lagos State chapter, called for enhanced oversight and regulatory measures to tackle these exploitative practices and protect the interests of local farmers.
National President of AFAN, Kabir Ibrahim, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for intercepting trucks of food and recommended that smugglers should face prosecution, advocating for stringent measures to deter such activities.
