The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Gombe State has apprehended seven individuals involved in adulterating fertilizer by substituting sand for genuine product, posing a significant risk to local farmers.
The Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made a significant breakthrough by apprehending seven suspects engaged in the adulteration of fertilizer within the state. This action follows repeated complaints from farmers regarding the ineffectiveness of fertilizers purchased for their crops.
Commandant Muhammad Bello led a raid on the suspects’ factory located in the Nasarawa area, uncovering their operation where sand was being packaged and sold as fertilizer. Bello expressed outrage over the economic sabotage against unsuspecting farmers who had been patronizing these fraudulent products.
The suspects were sourcing raw materials, including limestones, from Katsina State for their illegal production activities. Bello condemned their actions as a form of exploitation during a period of economic hardship, emphasizing the severe impact on agricultural productivity.
In his statement, Bello urged farmers to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of fertilizers before making purchases, advising them to only buy from authorized dealers. He emphasized the importance of vigilance to prevent falling victim to such fraudulent practices in the future.
The plant manager of the adulterated fertilizer, Usman Abubakar, admitted to producing over 1000 bags of the fake product in Gombe State, sourcing materials primarily from Katsina State. He disclosed their operations involved obtaining red limestone, white limestone, and potash, primarily from Kankara Local Government Area in Katsina State.
This crackdown by the NSCDC underscores efforts to safeguard agricultural interests and protect farmers from economic exploitation through fraudulent agricultural products.
