The police command in Katsina has arrested a man for allegedly diverting 1,500 sachets of ready-to-use therapeutic food meant for malnourished children.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, on Tuesday, police arrested the suspect on the penultimate Wednesday.

He said police surveillance officers attached to the Batagarawa Division intercepted the suspect with three sacks containing 1,500 sachets of RUTF, popularly known as ‘Yar Kwamaso’.

“The food items were designated for free distribution in public healthcare facilities for malnourished children. The suspect was found in illegal possession of the items and, during interrogation, confessed to obtaining them from another man, who is a clinic staff member who is currently at large,” he said.

Mr Sadiq-Aliyu said the suspect was in custody and assisting police in their investigation to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover the extent of the alleged criminal network involved in diverting humanitarian supplies.

He warned individuals and groups against the unauthorised possession, sale, purchase or diversion of RUTF and other public health commodities.

The police spokesman explained that RUTF was not meant for sale but was a specialised medical nutrition product intended exclusively for vulnerable and malnourished children. He added that the product was distributed free of charge under clinical supervision.

According to Mr Sadiq-Aliyu, anyone found dealing in or misusing the items will be arrested and prosecuted.

He said the police commissioner, Ali Umar Fage, had directed a thorough investigation into the case and ordered that the suspects be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

“The command remains committed to safeguarding public health interventions and humanitarian relief materials,” he said.

He urged the public to report suspicious activities, including the diversion of government palliatives and medical supplies, to the nearest police station for prompt action.

(NAN)