On April 1, 2025, a post on X by Samantha Walsh Middle Belt (Taraba), under the handle @sammwalsh, sparked a firestorm of reactions across Nigerian social media. The post, which has since garnered significant attention, posed a chilling question: “Why is a Dangote Truck that is supposed to be carrying cement, carrying hunters with arms?” Accompanied by an image of a man in a suit, the post hinted at a deeper, potentially sinister misuse of logistics infrastructure belonging to the Dangote Group, a Nigerian multinational conglomerate led by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man. As Nigerians react with a mix of outrage, skepticism, and calls for accountability, this incident has reignited debates about the intersection of corporate power, security, and governance in Nigeria.
The Dangote Group, founded by Aliko Dangote in 1981, is a titan in West Africa’s industrial landscape, employing over 30,000 people and generating billions in revenue annually. With subsidiaries like Dangote Cement dominating markets across ten African countries, the company has long been a symbol of Nigerian entrepreneurial success. However, its vast influence has also made it a lightning rod for controversy. Past incidents, such as the Nigerian Army’s interception of Dangote trucks allegedly transporting banned goods to Cameroon, as reported by Sahara Reporters, have fueled suspicions of illicit activities under the guise of legitimate business operations. The latest allegations involving armed hunters in a cement truck have only deepened public mistrust.