On the night of January 12 to 13, 2025, an impressive raid was carried out by the men of Chief Warrant Officer Ndao, Commander of the Niaguis Gendarmerie Brigade, in the Ziguinchor department. L’Observateur reports that five suspected wood traffickers were intercepted while traveling aboard a truck carrying 52 trays of quail wood, also known as “Khaï”.
The trap set by the gendarmerie
It all started with persistent reports of illegal timber trafficking in the heart of the Niaguis forest. These rumors led the gendarmes to set up a surveillance system on the night of January 12. At 1 a.m., they spotted a suspicious truck. The driver and his passenger, Omar Sané, owner of the woods, and his driver Ablaye Sylla, were caught in the act, after trying to hide their merchandise under tarpaulins and bags of peanut straw, in an obvious attempt to go unnoticed.
Well organized traffic
Omar Sané and Ablaye Sylla are not simple operators of the underground timber market. According to the first information collected, these two individuals are the masterminds of a timber trafficking network which is rife in Casamance. Their arrest seems to mark a turning point in the eradication of this illegal trade, which is particularly harmful to the local ecosystem. The 52 wooden trays seized were stored and made available to the Ziguinchor public prosecutor’s office.
An ongoing investigation
During their hearing, Omar Sané and Ablaye Sylla admitted their involvement in this trafficking. They were placed under arrest warrant after being confronted by the prosecutor, and their truck was confiscated. The latter were sent to the Ziguinchor Prison (MAC) for the continuation of the procedure. Timber trafficking, particularly that of “Khaï”, is a scourge which contributes not only to deforestation, but also to the endangerment of the local environment. The authorities remain mobilized to dismantle this well-established network in Casamance.
This dragnet is a strong signal sent by local authorities in the fight against timber trafficking, and a warning to those who persist in this illicit activity. The investigation continues to identify other potential accomplices in this destructive trafficking.
Senegal
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