The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Gombe State Command has arrested seven suspects for adulteration of fertilizer in the state.
The suspects were arrested following complaints from farmers over the poor performance of fertilizer on crops.
It was gathered that the suspects fetched limestone from Katsina State for the adulteration.
The State Commandant, Muhammad Bello, while leading a raid at their factory in the Nasarawa area on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, condemned the economic sabotage on unsuspecting farmers.
“Our attention has been drawn to the wicked activities going on here where these people sell sand as fertilizer in this hardship. This is simply wickedness how can you sell in the place of fertiliser,” he said.
While urging farmers to confirm the product before buying, Bello noted that they should buy only from authorised dealers.
“Members of the public especially farmers must desist from arbitrarily buying fertilizer without checks. You should be able to see what you want to buy. You can’t just go anywhere to get fertilizer so that you won’t fall victim to such adulterated product.”
Speaking, the Plant Manager of the adulterated fertilizer, Usman Abubakar said they have so far produced no fewer than 1000 bags, adding that the raw materials for the products come from Katsina State.
“We used to get it from Kankara Local Government Area. We used to get red limestone, white limestone, potash, etc. We started production in Kano State but in the last two years, we have been producing in Gombe State. We have produced over 1000 bags in Gombe State,” he confessed.
