The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal activities at the nation’s ports and economic hubs, emphasizing the importance of enforcing laws and implementing anti-crime strategies to support the government’s agenda of economic recovery and development.
This commitment was reaffirmed following the arrest of five suspects by the Eastern Port Police Command in connection with the diversion of bags of wheat belonging to the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP). The arrests were made in Port-Harcourt on February 6, 2024.
The diverted bags of wheat, totaling 1,238, were intended for transportation from the Ibeto Port Terminal in Port-Harcourt to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Kano State. However, the drivers responsible for the transport, along with their accomplices, fraudulently diverted the goods.
The Nigeria Police, acting on intelligence, apprehended the suspects identified as Umar Hashim, Edidiong Umoh, Udah Stanley, Abubakar Jariri, and Yunusa Babangida. Additionally, they recovered 1,238 stolen bags of wheat, as well as the truck and bus used in the commission of the crime. The recovered bags of wheat have been returned to the World Food Programme.
Efforts are underway to recover the remaining 602 bags of wheat and apprehend other suspects involved in the illegal activity.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, emphasized the Police Force’s determination to deal decisively with individuals engaging in activities aimed at sabotaging the country’s economy and causing hardship to vulnerable members of society. He has directed that the suspects be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The arrest and recovery of stolen goods underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating economic crimes and ensuring the security of goods and services within the nation’s ports. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to uphold the rule of law and promote transparency in trade and commerce across Nigeria’s economic landscape.
