The Borno State Police Command has arrested five suspects for stealing food meant for malnourished children in the state.
Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said in a statement on Saturday that officers recovered 7,871 pieces of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), known as Tamuwa, during separate operations.
“The Borno State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has recorded another success in its sustained fight against crimes and social vices. Five suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of 7,871 pieces of Tamuwa, which is meant for the treatment of malnourished children,” Daso said.
He explained that the first operation happened on April 12, 2025, when police stopped a Sharon Galaxy vehicle at Njimtilo, Maiduguri. Officers found 3,314 pieces of the food and arrested two suspects.
The second operation took place on June 9, 2025, at Legacy Estate in Maiduguri. A Volkswagen Golf carrying 4,557 pieces of the food was intercepted, and three suspects were arrested.
Daso confirmed that the five suspects have been charged to court. The food items were handed over to the Borno State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, for proper distribution to children in need.
He assured the public that the police will continue to protect lives and property, while ensuring relief materials reach vulnerable groups.
“We call on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the Police,” he added.
This is not the first time aid meant for vulnerable people in Borno has been diverted. In May 2017, a Federal High Court in Maiduguri jailed two local government officials for misappropriating 180 bags of rice meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).