Police in Katsina have arrested a man accused of diverting 1,500 sachets of specialised food intended for malnourished children.
The suspect, identified as Muhammad Aliyu, was arrested over alleged criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), according to the Katsina State Police Command.
The supplies were reportedly recovered in three sacks after surveillance officers attached to the Batagarawa Division intercepted Aliyu on August 26, 2026, at about 7:40 p.m.
Police said the operation followed credible intelligence.
Food Meant for Vulnerable Children
Katsina State Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu said the seized RUTF was intended for free distribution through public healthcare facilities.
The specialised nutritional product is used in the treatment of children suffering from severe malnutrition.
According to the police, Aliyu admitted during questioning that he obtained the supplies from Zaharaddini Musa, identified as a clinic staff member who is currently at large.
Police said efforts were underway to locate Musa and determine whether other people were involved in the alleged diversion.
The investigation is therefore continuing, and the full extent of the alleged supply chain has not yet been established.
Police Warn Against Selling RUTF
The command warned individuals and groups against illegally possessing, buying, selling or diverting RUTF and other publicly funded medical supplies.
Police stressed that RUTF is not a commercial product.
It is supplied free of charge to vulnerable children through healthcare programmes and administered under clinical supervision.
The warning comes as authorities continue efforts to prevent humanitarian and medical supplies from being diverted away from the people they are intended to help.
Suspect Remains in Custody
Aliyu remains in police custody and is assisting investigators, according to the command.
Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case.
The command said anyone found culpable would be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.
Police also appealed to residents to report suspected diversion of government palliatives, medical supplies and other public relief materials to the nearest police station.
Why the Case Matters
RUTF is designed for children facing acute nutritional needs. When supplies intended for free treatment are allegedly diverted, the immediate concern is not simply the loss of public resources.
It can also mean vulnerable children miss access to food specifically provided to help save their lives.
The Katsina investigation will now focus on tracing the alleged source of the supplies, identifying any other participants and determining how the items came to be outside the authorised distribution system.