The management of Dangote Cement Plc has clarified that two of its trucks, which were mistakenly intercepted in Adamawa State, have been released.
The company explained that the trucks, loaded with 900 bags of cement each from the Obajana Cement Plant, were en route to Jamtari in Maiha Local Government Area, Adamawa State, as per a customer’s request.
However, they were halted by security agents who accused them of attempting to export banned products to the Republic of Cameroon through the Adamawa routes.
The interception, occurring on Friday, February 9, followed an executive order issued by the Adamawa State government, prohibiting the transportation of food and building materials across the country’s border via Adamawa routes.
In a statement signed by the group’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Cement Plc affirmed that it operates a functional cement plant in Cameroon. Hence, the allegation of trying to export cement there is unfounded and malicious.
Chiejina stated that the arresting officers insisted the trucks were diverting from their intended route, apparently overlooking the details specified on the waybill. Despite attempts by the drivers to explain, they were not heeded.
He further explained, “Our officials were subsequently summoned by the DSS Adamawa State, and we provided them with evidence of the trucks’ movement from the DCP Obajana to the point where they were stopped by the soldiers, to demonstrate that the trucks were not heading to the Republic of Cameroon, as wrongly insinuated by some media.”
Chiejina added, “Similarly, the Adamawa State government, during a press briefing held at the Adamawa State Police Headquarters on Friday, 16th Feb., confirmed that both trucks were destined for delivery within the state. They were escorted by police to ensure the products reached the customer.”
