Police Recover Over 1,000 Diverted UN Wheat Bags, Arrest Five Suspects

The Nigeria Police Force, Eastern Ports Command, has successfully recovered 1,238 bags of wheat and arrested five suspects involved in diverting 1,840 bags of wheat belonging to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

The stolen wheat bags were reportedly taken from the Ibeto Port Terminal in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They were being transported to an undisclosed location in Kano State when police operatives intercepted the suspects.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Commissioner of Police, Eastern Ports Command, Jimoh Moshood, revealed details of the operation. He confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects, including two drivers linked to the diversion.

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“The case involves conspiracy, theft, and the diversion of 1,840 bags of wheat meant for the United Nations World Food Programme, Nigeria, from Ibeto Port Terminal in Port Harcourt to Kano State using two trucks,” Moshood explained.

Recovered Items and Legal Action
Police investigations led to the recovery of 1,238 bags of wheat, which have since been returned to the World Food Programme. A trailer and a bus used in the crime are now in police custody.

“Five suspects have been arrested in connection with this crime. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining 602 bags of wheat and apprehend the two drivers and other individuals involved,” Moshood added.

The arrested suspects have already been charged in court.

Broader Efforts by the Eastern Ports Command
In addition to this case, the Eastern Ports Command has arrested and prosecuted 33 other individuals for various crimes across its divisions in Onne, Rivers, Warri, and Calabar Ports.

“Beyond the five suspects connected to the wheat diversion, the Command has investigated and prosecuted 33 suspects for various offences within our jurisdiction. Most of them are now in the custody of the Correctional Service, with their trials ongoing,” Moshood stated.

The Commissioner assured the public of the Command’s continued efforts to uphold law and order across the region.

FAQs

• What was the nature of the crime?

The crime involved the theft and diversion of 1,840 bags of wheat belonging to the United Nations World Food Programme, Nigeria.

• How many bags of wheat have been recovered?

A total of 1,238 bags have been recovered, with efforts underway to locate the remaining 602 bags.

• Who has been arrested so far?

Five suspects have been arrested, and two drivers along with other suspects are still being pursued.

• What vehicles were used in the crime?

A trailer and a bus used for the diversion are now in police custody.

• What other efforts has the Eastern Ports Command undertaken?

The Command has arrested and prosecuted 33 additional suspects for various crimes across its jurisdictions, including Onne, Rivers, Warri, and Calabar Ports.