Traders and farmers in Kebbi State are expressing concern over what they claim is widespread extortion by security operatives during the transportation of grains.
Allegedly, a truckload of grains passing through checkpoints manned by various Nigerian security forces incurs a hefty cost of N600,000, according to several traders and farmers in the state.
Tukur Muhammad, the Secretary of Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers, highlighted the issue, particularly along Bagudo in the Bagudu Local Government Area, in an address to journalists in Birnin Kebbi. He revealed that marketers are forced to pay N1000 for each 100kg bag of any grain, attributing the surge in food prices to the extortion practiced by security operatives.
Muhammad cited an example at Tsamiya Market, stating that a grain supplier loading a truck with 600 bags of maize or millet faces extortion of no less than N600,000 to reach Argungu and Birnin Kebbi.
He pointed out that despite traders being blamed for high commodity prices, it is the extortion that significantly contributes to the hikes.
Rabi’u Mainasara, Chairman of the association, echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the prevalent extortion tactics along the Bagudu-Tsamiya route. He reported approximately 44 checkpoints where traders and farmers are obligated to pay varying sums, involving personnel from various agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Mainasara appealed to both state and federal governments, as well as the heads of relevant security agencies, to promptly intervene and prevent citizens from resorting to self-help. In response to the allegations, SP Nafi’u Abubakar, the police spokesperson in the state, denied awareness of the reported extortion.
He assured an investigation into the matter and mentioned efforts taken to address similar incidents in the past along the Bagudu-Tsamiya Road, pledging to await feedback from their commander in the area.
