Security forces in Kaduna State have apprehended a charcoal dealer, Markus Bala, for allegedly delivering food, drugs, and other supplies to bandits hiding in the forests of Bishini, Kachia Local Government Area.
Bala was caught by soldiers stationed at Bishini junction on Saturday after they received intelligence reports about his activities.
A local community leader, who chose to remain anonymous due to security concerns, confirmed the arrest during a telephone interview on Monday. The leader explained that Bala was well-known in the area for his charcoal production near the bandits’ camp.
“The suspect was arrested by soldiers after they got intelligence that he regularly buys foodstuffs, Indian hemp, and drugs for the bandits, especially when he’s heading into the forest with a pickup to load charcoal,” he said.
Bala was reportedly using a hired pickup van to transport these items, including foodstuffs, Indian hemp, cartons of cigarettes, and wine, to the bandits. Both Bala and the driver of the van were detained by the soldiers during the operation.
This arrest highlights the growing concerns within the community about the involvement of charcoal producers with criminal elements. A community leader from the area had previously disclosed that around 75% of charcoal producers were acting as informants and errand runners for the bandits. This arrangement was often a condition imposed by the bandits to allow the producers to operate in the forest without fear of attack.
The spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Hassan Mansur, was not available for comment regarding the arrest.