Gombe State was rocked this weekend when authorities uncovered a factory producing fake pesticides and herbicides that may have endangered the livelihoods of farmers across northern Nigeria. In a joint operation, the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dismantled the illegal facility, which allegedly distributed counterfeit agricultural chemicals to farmers in Gombe, as well as nearby states including Adamawa and Taraba.
The operation, carried out after months of intelligence gathering, revealed an extensive network of fake products masked with labels of well-known brands. Officials believe the counterfeit chemicals, sold as legitimate products, may have caused significant damage to crops and posed health risks to consumers.
Addressing reporters at the site, the Gombe State Director of SON, Muhammad Alhaji Bukar, expressed deep concern over the quality and safety of the seized products. Bukar highlighted the dangers of these counterfeit chemicals, which are designed to look like genuine brands but contain ineffective or harmful ingredients.
“These fake products, which look similar to the originals, are mislabeled and harmful,” Bukar warned. “We must ensure the authenticity of products in the market, so when we identified this operation through intelligence, we acted quickly. The products are ineffective and potentially damaging when used on crops.”
Bukar further explained that the factory was stocked with numerous empty containers and fake labels, allowing the counterfeiters to produce look-alike products that unsuspecting farmers might easily mistake for genuine ones.
“This kind of operation not only deceives farmers but puts entire harvests at risk. The chemicals don’t provide the protection that genuine products do, meaning farmers could lose their crops to pests and diseases, ultimately affecting food supply and income for many families,” he added.
The raid revealed that the fake factory was located dangerously close to food production areas, raising serious concerns about the potential health impacts. NSCDC Commandant Muhammad Bello Mu’azu, who joined the briefing, emphasized the gravity of the operation’s location and the health risks it posed to the public.
“Anyone involved in this crime will be brought to justice,” Mu’azu stated firmly. “We will not let them go unpunished. Producing such harmful products so close to food preparation areas is reckless and dangerous. This poses a risk not just to farmers, but to everyone who relies on these crops.”
He assured the public that, once apprehended, those responsible for the fake factory would face justice. “The perpetrators will be charged in court, and we will pursue every legal avenue to ensure they are held accountable,” he declared.
The fake pesticides and herbicides were reportedly sold across multiple local government areas in Gombe, with distribution extending into Adamawa and Taraba states. Authorities fear that many farmers may have used the substandard products, unknowingly risking poor crop yields and financial losses. For farmers who struggle with fluctuating prices and unpredictable weather, the impact of counterfeit chemicals can be devastating.
SON has continually emphasized the importance of enforcing quality standards across all sectors, including agriculture. With the country’s food security at stake, SON has made it clear that operations targeting counterfeit goods will only intensify.
“Protecting consumers is our priority,” Bukar asserted. “SON is committed to eliminating fake products in the market. We will continue our efforts, and with the support of law enforcement like the NSCDC, we will protect our citizens from these dangerous, counterfeit goods.”
SON’s work has been instrumental in protecting consumers from everything from expired food items to substandard building materials. In agriculture, the need for such oversight is critical, as the country grapples with challenges of food insecurity and climate change. By ensuring only safe, effective products reach the market, SON aims to support farmers’ success and food production for Nigerian households.
While no arrests have yet been made, SON and the NSCDC are actively pursuing the owner of the fake factory, who is reportedly still at large. Authorities say the owner was believed to be in Taraba selling the counterfeit products at the time of the raid.
The NSCDC has pledged to work closely with SON to locate and arrest all those involved in the operation. “The fight against fake products will continue,” Mu’azu promised. “This raid is just the beginning. We are determined to rid our markets of these dangerous items, and we are calling on the public to report any suspicious activity they come across.”
