Troops have successfully intercepted and apprehended a Nigerian syndicate engaged in fuel smuggling to support Ambazonian rebels in Taraba State, aiding their terrorist activities. Through meticulous surveillance and actionable intelligence, the Nigerian Army’s Counter-terrorism forces along the Nigeria-Cameroon Border executed a covert operation resulting in the capture of eight individuals involved in this illicit enterprise.
The operation, conducted on May 24, 2024, along the Abong-Kurmi Baissa Road, targeted the clandestine activities of the syndicate operating between Nigeria and Cameroon. Among those apprehended were Jafaru Adamu (32), Auwal Haruna (34), Umar Dahiru, Mubarak Abdullahi (20), Saidu Musa (26), Bashiru Ibrahim (18), Danlami Yahuaza (19), and Abubakar Abdullahi (19). They were intercepted while transporting a substantial quantity of fuel towards the border.
Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in smuggling fuel to the Ambazonian rebels in Cameroon, circumventing legal channels due to restrictions on the rebels’ entry into Nigeria. They disclosed their procurement pattern, initially sourcing fuel from Gassol and Bali Local Government Areas at a higher price before exploiting cheaper rates in Takum LGA.
At the time of their arrest, the syndicate was traveling in three J5 vehicles, carrying 605 jerry cans, each capable of holding 40 liters, totaling 24,200 liters of fuel. The confiscated fuel, valued at N800 per liter, amounted to a total worth of N19,360,000. Subsequent investigations unveiled additional members of the smuggling network, including Alhaji Abdulmumini, Jafaru Adamu, Babilu Zubairu, Sule Abong, and reportedly, Mark Akawu, the syndicate’s chairman based in Abong.
This operation signifies a significant stride in halting the illicit flow of resources to terrorist factions, bolstering regional security efforts.
