Jutha Gupah, Damaturu
The Nigerian Army has destroyed intercepted Boko Haram smoked fish allegedly to sustain terrorists’ activities in Yobe and Borno states axis. The nine-trucks of fish; were intercepted and seized by troops of 159 Battalion at Bukarti of Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe. Destroying the fish on Tuesday at the Damaturu Barracks; Commander of Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Sallau said: “The fish smugglers were coming from Diffa, Niger Republic enroute Hadejah, Jigawa State; before the trucks were intercepted to their waterloo at Bukarti village.”
He said that fish business in the theatre of war; has been banned since last year in states bordering Lake Chad waters. According to him, Boko Haram insurgents are using it to fund their activities. He warned the security operatives will continue to descend heavily on anyone caught in the business within the theatre. His words: “I sincerely welcome you all to the destruction/burning of seized contraband smoked fish by our troops Friday, October 4, 2019. “The illegal fish smugglers brought the contraband item from Diffa in Niger Republic enroute Hadejah in Jigawa state. “The smoked fish were neatly concealed in bags of corn chaff loaded in nine vehicles. “The arrest and destruction/burning of all items placed on ban across the theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole will be a routine activity in compliance with the Federal Government directives against trans-border smuggling.”