Police arrest 11 cattle rustlers, recover 40 animals in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command has apprehended 11 individuals suspected of cattle rustling, including two foreign nationals from Niger. The operation also resulted in the recovery of 40 animals believed to have been stolen. The arrests were part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the state.

Intelligence-led operations were conducted across four local government areas: Gwiwa, Hadejia, Gwaram, and Taura. Police operatives, working in collaboration with local vigilantes, acted on credible information and distress calls. According to SP Shi’isu Adam, the state's Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects were arrested before they could dispose of the stolen livestock.

The recovered animals include 27 sheep, 10 goats, and three cows. Two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects during the operations were also seized. The police identified the arrested individuals, noting their ages and places of residence, with two suspects, Muhammad Musa and Musa Hassan, identified as being from Maradi, Niger Republic.

SP Adam stated that the prompt response to intelligence and the cooperation between police and vigilantes were crucial to the success of the operation. He added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate who managed to escape. The recovered animals and vehicles will be held as exhibits, and the suspects will face charges upon the conclusion of the investigation. The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property.

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The swift intervention led to the arrest of the suspects before they could successfully dispose of the stolen animals.