The Kebbi State Police Command has uncovered a major agrochemical theft ring, arresting five suspects linked to the diversion and illegal sale of herbicides valued at over ₦184 million.
The stolen consignment, belonging to Springfield Agro Limited, a Lagos-based firm, was en route to Suleja and Abuja when it was illicitly rerouted to Birnin Kebbi.
Following a formal complaint from the company, operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) launched a swift and detailed investigation that led to the arrests.
The shipment, consisting of 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide, was allegedly hijacked and offloaded far from its intended destinations.
The prime suspect, Alhaji Bala, a truck driver believed to have masterminded the diversion, remains at large, alongside another suspect identified as Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, also known as Danbatta.
Police recovered 1,562 cartons of the diverted herbicide and ₦4.9 million suspected to be proceeds from the illegal sale. The suspects in custody include Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), Sanusi Bojo (43) — all from Birnin Kebbi — and Aliyu Muhammad (48) from Kashin Zama in Aliero LGA.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer CSP Nafiu Abubakar confirmed the arrests and ongoing investigation. He said the suspects face charges including criminal conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.
Commending the SCID team for their professionalism, Commissioner of Police Bello M. Sani ordered a discreet investigation and vowed to ensure the fleeing culprits are brought to justice.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring closure to the case, which has raised concerns about the growing trend of commercial cargo theft in Nigeria.
