The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Plateau State has taken three suspects into custody for allegedly diverting 35 tonnes of fertilizers.
According to Commandant Alexander Barunde, the arrest was made possible by an intelligence report, which led personnel to apprehend the suspects along the Jos-Barkin Ladi road.
Barunde explained that the diverted fertilizer, granular ammonium sulphate, was procured by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority for the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative Programme. Its purpose is to support farmers by providing subsidized NPK blending inputs to produce affordable fertilizers, boosting food production.
However, the suspects diverted the fertilizers, which were allocated to Guarantee Fertilizers Company in Kano, despite clear markings on the bags stating “not for sale.” Barunde condemned this act as sabotage to the government’s food security programme.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover all parties involved in this criminal activity, ensuring accountability for those undermining the nation’s food security efforts.