The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intercepted 21 food trucks en route to neighbouring countries, the agency revealed in a statement released on its official handle on Tuesday.

The food items were destined for N’djamena, Chad Republic, Central African Republic, and Cameroon.

According to the statement, the seizure was carried out by operatives of the EFCC Maiduguri Zonal Command in a sting operation conducted along major exit routes along Kalabiri/Gamboru Ngala and Bama roads in Borno State.

“Investigation showed food items cleverly concealed in the trucks that would have gone undetected but for the eagle-eyed vigilance of operatives of the Commission.

“Further checks showed that the Waybills covering the goods carried by trucks indicated their destinations as N’djamena, Chad Republic, Central Africa Republic, and Cameroon respectively.

The EFCC emphasized that the interception of the trucks is aimed at curbing the tide of food insecurity exacerbated by the activities of smugglers across the country.

The arrested suspects are currently undergoing profiling, and the agency has vowed to charge them to court once investigations are concluded.

This seizure comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with skyrocketing food prices and inflation, which has reached 29.90 percent. The high cost of living has triggered protests in various parts of the country, and incidents of warehouse and food truck hijackings have been reported.

In response, the Federal Government has announced plans to distribute grains nationwide later in the week to alleviate the impact of the rising cost of living.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has urged patience as the government’s reforms, including the floating of the naira and the removal of the subsidy regime, take effect, emphasizing its commitment to these measures despite challenges.