The Katsina State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on the alleged diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), popularly known as “Yar Kwamaso,” with the arrest of two additional suspects linked to the unlawful handling of the life-saving nutritional product meant for severely malnourished children.
The development comes as investigations continue into what authorities describe as a criminal network involved in diverting humanitarian health supplies intended for some of the state's most vulnerable children.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, said the latest arrests were made following ongoing investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy and illegal diversion of the therapeutic food.
According to him, the case first came to light on August 26 when surveillance officers attached to the Batagarawa Police Division intercepted and arrested a suspect, Mahmud Aliyu, at about 7:40 p.m.
The suspect was reportedly found in possession of three sacks containing 1,500 sachets of RUTF, a specialised nutritional product used in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition among children under the age of five.
During interrogation, Aliyu allegedly identified one Zaharaddini Musa, said to be a staff member at a health facility, as being connected to the case. Police said Musa is currently on the run and efforts are underway to track and apprehend him.
Further investigations subsequently led to the arrest of two more suspects identified as Buhari Idris, 40, and Idris Abdullahi Halliru, 51, who are now assisting investigators in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the diversion.
Explaining the significance of the product, Sadiq-Aliyu noted that RUTF is supplied through a partnership involving the Federal Government, UNICEF and other international donor agencies as part of efforts to combat child malnutrition in Nigeria.
He stressed that the therapeutic food is distributed free of charge through government hospitals and primary healthcare centres and is intended solely for the treatment of severely malnourished children under strict medical supervision.
“RUTF is strictly not for sale. It is a specialised medical nutrition product designed exclusively for vulnerable children suffering from severe malnutrition,” the police spokesman stated.
He warned health workers, traders, individuals and organised groups against engaging in the diversion, sale, purchase, storage or unauthorised distribution of the product and other public health commodities.
According to him, anyone found tampering with government-sponsored medical interventions or profiting from humanitarian supplies would face arrest and prosecution.
The police said the three suspects currently in custody would be charged to court upon completion of investigations, while efforts continue to arrest other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged scheme.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Ali Umar Fage, reaffirmed the command’s determination to safeguard government interventions and humanitarian assistance targeted at vulnerable citizens.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving the diversion of government palliatives, healthcare materials and other relief items.
The latest arrests have renewed concerns over the illegal diversion of humanitarian supplies, a practice that experts say undermines efforts to tackle malnutrition and deprives needy children of critical medical support.
With investigations still ongoing and a key suspect on the run, authorities say more arrests could follow as they move to dismantle the network behind the alleged diversion of the nutritional aid.
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