In a high-stakes crackdown in Kebbi State, police operatives have arrested five suspects over the unlawful diversion and black-market sale of agrochemical products worth a staggering ₦184 million, belonging to a Lagos-based company, Springfield Agro Limited.
The arrest followed a detailed operation by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) after Springfield Agro Limited raised the alarm that its consignment of 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide — originally intended for distribution in Suleja/Abuja — had mysteriously vanished.
Investigations traced the diverted consignment to Birnin Kebbi, where it was allegedly offloaded and sold at slashed prices to unauthorized dealers.
The prime suspect, the truck driver identified as Alhaji Bala, believed to have orchestrated the entire operation, is currently on the run.
According to police sources, the theft was not only well-planned but also executed with the help of local collaborators.
In a statement issued Thursday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the following suspects were confirmed to be in custody:
– Nura Abdullahi (45)
– Nura Muhammad (50)
– Bashar Abubakar (45)
– Sanusi Bojo (43), all from Birnin Kebbi
– Aliyu Muhammad (48), from Kashin Zama village in Aliero Local Government Area
💼 What Was Recovered
Police disclosed they recovered 1,562 cartons of the missing herbicide, along with ₦4.9 million in cash suspected to be part of the proceeds from the illegal sale.
Commending his men for their swift and professional handling of the case, Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of SCID to deepen the investigation and ensure that justice is served without delay.
🕵️♂️ Manhunt Underway
The Commissioner further ordered an intensified search for the key suspects still at large — including the truck driver, Alhaji Bala, and another man identified as Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, popularly known as Danbatta.
The police have vowed not to rest until all the culprits are brought to book. Meanwhile, the incident raises fresh concerns about product diversion rings operating within Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain. As the manhunt continues, stakeholders are watching closely — hoping that justice, this time, won’t be diverted.
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