In a determined effort to combat illegal activities at Nigeria’s ports and economic hubs, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to enforcing laws and implementing anti-crime strategies. The objective is to support the government’s agenda for swift economic recovery and development in the country.

This commitment was reiterated by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, following the arrest of five suspects involved in the diversion of bags of wheat belonging to the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP). The Eastern Port Police Command successfully recovered approximately 1,238 bags of wheat in Port-Harcourt on the 6th of February 2024.

The diverted bags, originally intended for transport from Ibeto Port Terminal, Port-Harcourt, to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Kano State, were intercepted and apprehended by vigilant Nigeria Police operatives. The arrested suspects, Umar Hashim, Edidiong Umoh, Udah Stanley, Abubakar Jariri, and Yunusa Babangida, were caught alongside the truck and a bus used in executing the fraudulent act.

The recovered bags of wheat have been returned to the World Food Programme, with ongoing efforts to retrieve the remaining 602 bags and apprehend other suspects linked to the crime.

Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the force’s commitment to dealing decisively with individuals engaging in activities that sabotage the nation’s economy and cause hardships to vulnerable members of the public. He has ordered that the suspects be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, remains resolute in its duty to protect the nation’s economic interests and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.