Authorities in Ethiopia have uncovered a significant illegal operation involving the diversion of life-saving nutritional supplies intended for vulnerable children. In recent operations across Jimma City and the West Arsi Zone, security forces seized large quantities of “Plumpy’Nut”—a therapeutic food specifically formulated to treat severe malnutrition. The items, which were supposed to be distributed free of charge through public health facilities, were instead found hidden in private residences and, in a startling breach of public trust, transported via a government ambulance.
The crackdown began in Jimma City on February 16, 2026, when police conducted a surprise raid on a private residence. During the search, officers discovered 61 cartons of the therapeutic food concealed alongside 43 barrels of fuel. This initial discovery highlighted a growing black market for humanitarian aid, where essential resources meant for the most impoverished segments of the population are siphoned off for private profit. Local police emphasized that the items were being hoarded under dangerous conditions, further complicating the criminal nature of the storage.
The investigation deepened on February 28, 2026, in the Nensebo District of the West Arsi Zone. Law enforcement intercepted a government ambulance (plate number Code 4-04815 ORO) that was being used to clandestinely transport a heavy load of the stolen nutritional supplements. Investigations revealed a sophisticated network involving the ambulance driver and certain health professionals who had allegedly conspired to sell the supplies to retail merchants. The seized shipment is estimated to have a market value of approximately 2.38 million ETB, representing a massive loss to the regional health system.
Ethiopian police have condemned the use of government vehicles for criminal activities, describing it as a “grave betrayal of public service.” Following tips from the local community, which were instrumental in the success of these raids, authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to identify all accomplices within the supply chain. As the case files are being processed, officials have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that such illicit trade directly threatens the lives of malnourished children across the region.