The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recovered 959 bags of adulterated fertilizer from alleged syndicates operating in Jos.
A statement by the NSCDC Spokesman, Mr Babatunde Afolabi, on Tuesday, said that five persons were arrested in connection with the crime by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGsSIS).
Afolabi said that preliminary investigation revealed that the gang specialized in the diversion of key raw materials used in the production of agricultural fertilizers.
He said that part of the recovered products are; 740 bags of prohibited granular amonium sulphate, 24 bags of Urea Dangote fertilizers, 65 bags of indorama fertilizers.
“130 bags of NPK Barbados fertilizers, 29 cartons of ultrachol chemical, 109 (20) liters of knapsack spraying pump amongst other items,” he said.
The NSCDC spokesman said that the suspects diverted, bagged and sold the products to unsuspecting buyers and farmers at the rate of N25,900 per bag.
Afolabi further said that the syndicates specialised in the diversion of granular ammonium sulphate which is used in the production of fertilizer by the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN).
“The products are meant to be used for the production of fertilizer and to be sold at subsidized rate to farmers.
“This is in a bid by the FG to sustain the national food security programme and encourage food production in the country.
“The FG is determined to thwart the notorious moves of saboteurs who are hell bent to sabotage the FG’s policies and efforts in ensuring adequate provision of fertilizers to farmers in the country,” he said.
Afolabi said that the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi has been briefed and had ordered the immediate transfer of the five suspects and their case file to NSCDC Headquarters for further investigation.(NAN). READ ALSO:
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