Fresh concerns have emerged over an alleged food fraud targeting unsuspecting travellers at some airports in Northern Nigeria, following the circulation of a video purportedly showing plastic straps coated with pepper and traditional Northern spices and allegedly sold as kilishi.
Kilishi, a popular Northern delicacy made from thin slices of seasoned, dried beef, is widely purchased by travellers as gifts for family and friends across Nigeria and abroad. However, the disturbing video reviewed by Headlinenews.News appears to show a product resembling processed plastic rather than meat, raising serious public health and consumer protection concerns.
If verified, the alleged practice amounts not only to economic fraud but also a potential threat to public health, as consumers have no way of knowing the true composition of the product they are buying. Victims may only discover the deception after reaching their destinations or presenting the supposed delicacy to relatives, friends or business associates.
Headlinenews.News calls on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other relevant regulatory agencies to urgently investigate the allegations, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone found to be involved.
The authorities should also strengthen surveillance of airport environments to prevent the sale of unverified food products by unauthorised hawkers. Establishing properly regulated outlets where genuine, certified kilishi and other local delicacies can be purchased would help protect consumers, preserve the reputation of one of Northern Nigeria’s most celebrated foods and prevent criminal elements from exploiting unsuspecting travellers.
Headlinenews.News will continue to monitor developments as investigations into the authenticity of the viral video and the products shown unfold.
The National Patriots expresses deep concern over allegations that fake kilishi, reportedly made from plastic materials disguised with spices, is being sold to unsuspecting travellers at some airports in Northern Nigeria. If verified, this is a dangerous act of fraud that threatens public health and undermines the reputation of one of Nigeria’s finest traditional delicacies. We urge FAAN, NAFDAC, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to urgently investigate, dismantle the criminal network involved, and establish regulated outlets for the sale of certified, safe kilishi.
Imran Khazaly
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
