The Kebbi State Police Command has successfully apprehended five individuals in connection with the unlawful diversion and sale of agrochemical products valued at over N184 million. The products belonged to Springfield Agro Limited, a Lagos-based company.

According to a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the arrests followed a detailed investigation by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) after the company reported a missing shipment of 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide.

The consignment, which was en route to Suleja and Abuja, was allegedly diverted and offloaded in Birnin Kebbi. The truck driver, identified as Alhaji Bala, who was entrusted with the delivery, is currently at large and is believed to have masterminded the diversion scheme.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the diverted agrochemicals were sold at significantly reduced prices to unauthorized dealers. Acting on intelligence, detectives successfully recovered 1,562 cartons of the herbicide and seized N4.9 million suspected to be proceeds from the illegal sales.

The suspects have been identified as Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), Sanusi Bojo (43), all residents of Birnin Kebbi, and Aliyu Muhammad (48) from Kashin Zama in Aliero Local Government Area.

Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, commended the SCID team for their swift and professional handling of the case. He has ordered a thorough investigation and tasked the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the SCID with ensuring the case is diligently prosecuted.

The commissioner also called for intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects, including the driver, Alhaji Bala, and another suspect identified as Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, also known as Danbatta.

This case highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria's agricultural supply chain security and the economic impact of product diversion on legitimate businesses. The police action demonstrates authorities' commitment to protecting business interests and maintaining market integrity in the agricultural sector.