All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Niger chapter, has cautioned members to be vigilante in the purchase of fertilizers in the state.

The call followed rumors of the sale of adulterated fertilizers by unscrupulous persons and already in circulation in the state.

Alhaji Shehu Galadima, the state chairman, AFAN gave the warning on Saturday in Minna, in an interview with the Newsmen.

“It is no longer rumor that some evil merchants are adulterating fertilizers in Niger state. There is a need to alert our members to be at alert not to purchase such fertilizers in the markets,” he said.

Galadima said that the news of the fake fertilizers started as a rumor before members of AFAN confirmed it.

“It is true, AFAN is aware and we even complained to the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. We have alerted our farmers on the issue, and we are all monitoring,” he said.

He enjoined the farmers to report anyone engaging in such unwholesome practice to the nearest security agency.

It was recalled that recently the Niger Police Command arrested a man who specializes in adulterating Nigerian made fertilizers in the state.

ASP Wasiu Abiodun, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state confirmed the incident to newsmen.

The PPRO said that the suspect was arrested following intelligence reports of his activities in his factory at Farm Centre in Minna.

Abiodun alleged that the suspect adulterated the TAK Agro brand of NPK fertilizers.

According to him, a total of 445 bags of adulterated fertilizers were found in the factory during a raid.