Traders in the Maitunbi area of Minna, Niger State, are reeling from a massive fraud after a fake non-governmental organization (NGO) duped them of over ₦250 million.

According to reports, the scammers disguised themselves as a humanitarian group and promised to supply essential food items — including rice, maize, wheat, sorghum, and semovita — at heavily subsidized rates.

Attracted by the offer, dozens of traders made huge deposits to the group in June 2025, hoping to resell the goods at a profit. But weeks went by, and no food items were delivered.

Sensing trouble, the affected traders stormed the NGO’s claimed warehouse to demand either the promised goods or their money back. To their shock, they found the facility completely empty — no staff, no food, no trace of operations.

Confirming the incident, Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the fake NGO had collected millions of naira from unsuspecting victims before vanishing.

“Efforts are currently ongoing to track down and arrest the suspects behind the fraudulent scheme,” Abiodun assured.

The case has sparked widespread anger and frustration among victims and residents, as many of the traders used personal savings and borrowed funds to take part in what they thought was a genuine relief initiative.

Authorities are urging citizens to verify the legitimacy of organizations before making any financial commitments.

Investigations are ongoing, and police have called on the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the fraudsters.