Five arrested for selling meat from dead cattle in Borno

The Borno State Police Command has arrested five individuals accused of processing and selling meat from deceased cattle to unsuspecting consumers in Maiduguri. The suspects were apprehended on July 29 by the Violent Crime Response Unit after receiving intelligence about their alleged activities.

Police Public Relations Officer Nahum Daso stated that the arrests are part of the command's commitment to safeguarding public health. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects obtained dead cattle, butchered them, and supplied the meat to roadside vendors. They were reportedly caught with the carcass of a dead cow intended for further processing and distribution.

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The suspects allegedly conspired to obtain cattle found dead, butchered the carcasses and supplied the meat to roadside meat vendors for onward sale to members of the public.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid condemned the alleged practice as a significant public health threat. He pledged continued collaboration with government agencies to prevent the sale of unwholesome meat. The command plans to convene a meeting with abattoir operators, butchers, livestock dealers, and other stakeholders to strengthen monitoring and enforce food safety standards.

The police urged meat vendors and consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to meat processing and sales. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the operation and identify any other individuals involved before the suspects are charged in court.

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As part of preventive measures, the Commissioner of Police will convene a community engagement with abattoir operators, butchers’ associations, livestock dealers, meat vendors, relevant regulatory authorities and other critical stakeholders to strengthen monitoring, promote compliance with public health and food safety standards, and develop measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.