The Sokoto State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended nine individuals suspected of being involved in the production of counterfeit pillows that pose risks to human health.
The Commandant of the Sokoto State NSCDC Command, Mr. Bello Alkali Argungu, paraded the suspects in Sokoto, stating that they were apprehended in various areas of the metropolis.
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Commandant Argungu indicated that the suspects would face formal charges once investigations are completed and cautioned the public against using counterfeit pillows and bedding.
Commandant Argungu disclosed that the counterfeit pillows were filled with contaminated materials, including used sanitary pads, children’s diapers, clothes, and other waste collected from garbage, drainages, and various locations. He emphasised that the perpetrators utilised small children to gather the trash and then sold the pillows to customers, featuring the logos of reputable foam companies on the pillowcases.
“They may contract some diseases without knowing the cause. I am appealing to our people to always go for businesses that are legitimate,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Commandant Alkali oversaw the decoration of four hundred and seventy-one (471) newly promoted personnel in the state, urging them to be more dedicated to their duties and maintain discipline in their roles.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Alhaji Tukur Toro, commended the NSCDC’s efforts. He advised manufacturers of bedding materials to prioritise consumer safety by enforcing stringent quality control measures.
Toro highlighted recent investigations that revealed the presence of waste materials in certain pillows on the market, posing potential health risks. He urged consumers to exercise caution, considering the source and quality of the pillows they purchase, to avoid allergic reactions and respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions.