The police command in Katsina has arrested two additional suspects over the alleged diversion of ready-to-use therapeutic food, popularly known as ‘Yar Kwamaso’ in the state.

The police spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday.

Mr Sadiq-Aliyu said the arrests followed an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal conspiracy and unlawful diversion of the therapeutic food meant for severely malnourished children.

He stated that on August 26, at about 7:40 p.m., surveillance officers attached to the Batagarawa Division arrested Mahmud Aliyu in possession of three sacks containing 1,500 sachets of RUTF.

According to him, the suspect, during interrogation, mentioned Zaharaddini Musa, a clinic staff member, who is currently at large.

The police spokesman said further investigation led to the arrest of Buhari Idris, 40, and Idris Abdullahi Halliru, 51, in connection with the alleged offence.

He explained that RUTF is a humanitarian and public health intervention supplied by the federal government in partnership with UNICEF and other donor agencies.

Mr Sadiq-Aliyu said the product was meant exclusively for treating severely malnourished children under five years at government and primary healthcare facilities.

He added that the commodity was distributed free of charge under strict clinical supervision.

The police spokesman warned individuals, health workers and groups against diverting, unauthorisedly possessing, selling, purchasing or distributing RUTF and other public health commodities.

“RUTF is strictly not for sale. It is a specialised medical nutrition product meant solely for vulnerable, malnourished children,” he said.

He warned that anyone found dealing in, buying, selling or misusing the commodities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Mr Sadiq-Aliyu said the three suspects currently in custody would be prosecuted after the investigation is complete.

The police commissioner, Ali Umar Fage, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting government interventions and humanitarian assistance meant for vulnerable persons.

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

(NAN)