Troops intercept truck conveying undeclared medical supplies in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of 241 Battalion have intercepted a truck conveying a large consignment of undeclared medical supplies at a checkpoint in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe.

Security sources said the interception occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on April 11 at a mounted checkpoint operated by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Nguru.

According to the sources, the driver presented a waybill indicating that the truck was conveying beverages and household items from Kano en route to Geidam in Yobe.

“However, a detailed search by the troops revealed that the vehicle was loaded with medical supplies contrary to the waybill, thereby raising suspicion,” the sources said.

They added that the driver was arrested and, during preliminary interrogation, confessed that the consignment was intended for onward movement to the Republic of Chad through Geidam.

Items recovered from the truck include large quantities of pharmaceutical products such as metronidazole, ceftriaxone injection, sterile drip, dexamethasone injection, diclofenac, gentamicin, loperamide capsules, paracetamol syrup and penicillin, among others.

Other recovered items include bandages, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin injections, sterile water, cannulas, chlorpheniramine, septrin, vitamin B complex, amoxicillin syrup, omeprazole injection, hydrocortisone, syringes, oxytetracycline capsules, erythromycin tablets, frusemide tablets and artemether.

The sources further disclosed that 48 bags of cement and 150 pieces of mats were also found concealed in the vehicle.

They said the driver and three other occupants, along with the truck and its contents, are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.