Dangote Declares Drivers Wanted Over 3.5million Stolen Tyres

Ronke Kehinde/

Dangote Group of Companies has hit the road hunting for drivers who stole not less than 3.5million tyres from its trucks.
In what it describes as ‘Operation Clamp Down’, the conglomerate announced that it has engaged the police to go after its employees who allegedly stole 3.5 million customised tyres.
Already, the police have prosecuted 285 persons nationwide for the offense.
Members of the public have been cautioned against purchase of customised Dangote tyres with its logo boldly inscribed on them, as they would be prosecuted if found with any.
The coordinator of Dangote Group’s National Patrol Unit, CP Abdullahi Magagi (Rtd.) told reporters at Lokoja, in Kogi State that 285 persons suspected to have indulged in the shady business are facing trial across the country.
He alleged that 85 tyre repairers were at large after being declared wanted over the firm’s stolen tyres.
He said, “Over 3.5 million customised Dangote tyres are missing and in circulation across the country. The management of the company is resolute and determined to recover them.
“Those in possession of our tyres are advised, in their own interest, to return them quietly to the nearest police station, if not we will get them arrested and prosecuted.”
He stressed that about 285 commercial drivers and Dangote drivers are now languishing in jail for stealing tyres, while 85 repairers are already on the wanted list.
Magagi noted that the kingpin of the black market business, who often comes to Obajana from Kano to buy the company’s tyres, has been identified, noting that the suspect would soon be apprehended and prosecuted.
He cautioned tyre depot owners to be wary of Dangote drivers, who might give them tyres to sell, disclosing that Dangote Group has concluded plans to establish a tyre company in the country.
While announcing that the firm has deployed patrol teams across the country to check the spate of reckless driving of drivers in its fleet, Magaji warned them against reckless driving and illegal haulage. He said that such illegalities would not go unpunished.