The Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) recently thwarted an attempt by a suspected ritualist to send the corpse of a one-year-old baby through a courier service. Ibrahim Bako, Coordinator of NURTW’s Area 1 in Garki, Abuja, shared this disturbing incident, highlighting the vigilance of union members in monitoring package content. The suspect had tried to send the parcel containing the baby’s body to Gwagwalada, within the Federal Capital Territory.
Bako discussed the broader challenges faced by NURTW members involved in courier services, noting the discovery of contraband such as cocaine, illegal firearms, and other illicit items. The transporters, who are officially registered and licensed to operate courier services, are committed to ensuring the legitimacy of parcels received. Those who attempt to bypass official channels often raise suspicions.
Bako emphasized the importance of adhering to the proper processes in logistics service delivery. He recounted instances where items are handed to drivers with minimal payment, bypassing office protocols, which often indicates hidden illegalities. NURTW members, however, remain vigilant, inspecting suspicious parcels to prevent the transport of illegal goods, and cooperating with police by handing over intercepted contraband and suspected criminals.