According to a statement released on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Afolabi Babawale, it was revealed that the apprehension of the five individuals was carried out by the specialized intelligence team under the direction of the NSCDC's general.
The individual observed that the diverted granular ammonium sulphate, which is utilized in the manufacturing of fertilizer, is in the ownership of the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN).
However, it was illicitly redirected, packaged, and sold by individuals engaging in sabotage to unsuspecting purchasers and farmers at a price of N25,900 per bag.
According to his statement, on September 2nd, 2023 at approximately 17:20 hours, the special intelligence squad of the commandant general conducted operations at two distinct locations: No 3, Dogon Dutse area, Jos North and Kasuwa Kara area, Bukuru, both situated in Jos Plateau State. These operations were carried out based on reliable intelligence.
As a result, a significant amount of diverted bags of Granular Ammonium Sulphate (GAS) were successfully recovered.
The items are intended for utilization in the manufacturing of fertilizer and are intended to be distributed to farmers at subsidized prices as part of the federal government's efforts to maintain the national food security program and promote agricultural productivity within the nation.
The speaker elaborated that a total of five individuals were apprehended from two distinct sites, and significant quantities of diverse fertilizer items were subsequently seized.
The individual revealed the identities of the apprehended individuals as Ibrahim Muhammed, aged 63, Ladan Anas, aged 26, Umar Said Muhammed, aged 37, Hambale Usman, aged 46, and Junaid Ubale, aged 30. Additionally, it was stated that the recovered items included 740 bags of granular ammonium sulphate, which is classified as prohibited, 24 bags of Urea Dangote fertilizers, 65 bags of indorama fertilizers, 130 bags of NPK Barbados fertilizers, 29 cartons of ultrachol chemical, and 109 (20) litres of knapsack spraying pump, among other miscellaneous items.
Babawale also revealed that the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has been appropriately informed and has issued instructions for the prompt relocation of the five individuals under suspicion.
Additionally, the case file has been forwarded to the national headquarters of the NSCDC, where it will undergo further examination.