The Bauchi State Police Command has successfully dismantled a sophisticated network involved in the production and distribution of adulterated fertiliser, arresting five suspects in the process.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Command's Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakil, the operation followed credible intelligence received on May 10, 2025, leading to a series of raids across multiple locations in the state.

The initial breakthrough came with the arrest of Muhammad Abubakar at his residence in Magaji Quarters, Bauchi. Police recovered six bags of suspected adulterated fertiliser and 46 bottles of fake herbicides from his possession. Further search of his premises yielded 38 empty herbicide cartons, 14 NPK fertiliser sacks, nine Indorama-branded sacks, and various equipment used in the manufacturing process.

During interrogation, Abubakar implicated his neighbour, Abubakar Umar, as an accomplice in the illegal operation. The investigation expanded on May 14 when police raided a shop on Gombe Road, arresting 32-year-old Anas Abubakar and seizing 44.5 bags of adulterated fertiliser.

Anas confessed to producing counterfeit fertiliser by mixing moulded kaolin with urea and identified his supplier as Abdulrahaman Muhammad, a 24-year-old resident of Bakaro Quarters. Though Abdulrahaman denied direct involvement in selling the fake products, he admitted to supplying raw materials essential for their production.

The investigation led to the arrest of Ziya'u Bala, 27, from Gudum Hausawa, who provided crucial information about an illegal manufacturing site in Natsira Hamlet, Kangere Village. Police raids at this location uncovered approximately 100 bags of adulterated fertiliser, along with 100 bags of moulded kaolin, 12 bags of fertiliser, and one bag of urea fertiliser intended for illicit blending.

Further operations exposed two additional illegal production facilities in the same village, operated by 34-year-old Sama'ila Abdullahi and 32-year-old Mujahid Abdullahi. Both suspects admitted to selling their counterfeit products to Abdulrahaman, who then supplied them to Anas, completing the supply chain of the illegal network.

All three illegal operations have now been shut down, with authorities seizing production materials and equipment as evidence.

Commenting on the operation, Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, emphasized the Command's commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

"Upon the conclusion of the investigation, all those involved in this criminal enterprise will be charged to court. The Command remains committed to protecting the integrity of agriculture and the safety of our citizens," he stated.

This crackdown comes at a critical time for Nigerian agriculture, as farmers across the country prepare for the planting season. The production and distribution of adulterated fertiliser not only constitutes fraud but also poses significant risks to crop yields and food security in the region.