A major breakthrough has been achieved by the Bauchi State Police Command in Nigeria, as they have successfully dismantled a large-scale illicit fertiliser production and distribution network. This significant operation has resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of a substantial quantity of adulterated products, raw materials, and equipment used in the operation.
The crackdown began with the receipt of credible intelligence on May 10, 2025, which led to the arrest of Muhammad Abubakar at his residence in Magaji Quarters, Bauchi. A search of his home uncovered six bags of suspected adulterated fertiliser and 46 bottles of fake herbicides, as well as other materials used in the production of counterfeit fertiliser. Abubakar’s interrogation revealed that he was producing the fake products and named his neighbour, Abubakar Umar, as a collaborator.
Further investigations led police to a shop on Gombe Road, where 32-year-old Anas Abubakar was arrested. Anas confessed to blending moulded kaolin with urea to create fake fertiliser, which he sourced from Abdulrahaman Muhammad, a 24-year-old resident of Bakaro Quarters. The investigation continued to unfold, leading to the arrest of Ziya’u Bala, who provided information on an illegal fertiliser manufacturing site in Natsira Hamlet, Kangere Village. A raid on the site uncovered around 100 bags and large piles of adulterated fertiliser, as well as other materials intended for illicit blending.
The police also discovered two more illegal production hubs in the same village, operated by 34-year-old Sama’ila Abdullahi and 32-year-old Mujahid Abdullahi. Both men admitted to selling their adulterated products to Abdulrahaman, who in turn supplied Anas. All three illegal operations have now been shut down, with production materials and equipment seized as evidence.
Commenting on the development, Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed the Command’s determination to ensure justice is served. “Upon the conclusion of the investigation, all those involved in this criminal enterprise will be charged to court. The Command remains committed to protecting the integrity of agriculture and the safety of our citizens,” he said. The successful dismantling of this illicit fertiliser production and distribution network is a significant victory for the Bauchi State Police Command and a major step forward in protecting the agricultural sector and ensuring the safety of citizens.
