The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five individuals in connection with the unlawful diversion and sale of agrochemical products valued at over N184 million, originally consigned to Springfield Agro Limited, a Lagos-based firm.

According to police sources, the suspects were apprehended after the company reported that a truck carrying 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide, intended for delivery to Suleja and Abuja, was diverted to Birnin Kebbi.

The truck driver, identified as Alhaji Bala and alleged to have masterminded the diversion, remains at large.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the herbicide was sold at significantly reduced prices to unauthorised dealers in the area.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, the suspects named include Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), and Sanusi Bojo (43), all from Birnin Kebbi, as well as

Aliyu Muhammad (48), from Kashin Zama village in Aliero Local Government Area.

The statement noted: “We recovered 1,562 cartons of the diverted herbicide and N4.9 million, believed to be proceeds from the illegal sales.”

The Commissioner commended the detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for their swift response and directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of SCID to lead a discreet investigation and ensure appropriate prosecution.

Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the prime suspect and trace the remaining missing products.