Security operatives in Kaduna State have recovered 245 cattle stolen by suspected bandits during separate operations in Igabi and Kudan Local Government Areas.
The Kaduna State Police Command said the recoveries followed coordinated efforts involving police personnel, local vigilantes, and community security groups on May 31.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, one of the incidents occurred in Rubu Village, Igabi LGA, where armed bandits reportedly invaded a Fulani settlement in the early hours of Sunday.
The attackers allegedly restrained three cattle herders and several guards before driving away a large number of cattle.
Hassan explained that the chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi reported the incident to the police, prompting an immediate response from officers attached to the Rigachikun Division.
“The Divisional Police Officer mobilised operatives alongside Miyetti Allah vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force to trail the suspects and recover the stolen livestock,” he said.
He added that sustained pressure from the security team and alerts sent to neighbouring communities forced the bandits to abandon both the cattle and the captives.
“Unable to withstand the intense pursuit, the criminals fled into the bush, leaving behind more than 200 cattle, which were recovered safely,” Hassan stated.
In a separate operation in Hunkuyi, security agents recovered an additional 45 cattle after receiving intelligence on the whereabouts of rustled livestock.
Hassan said investigators traced the animals to a bush path around Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.
“Acting on credible information, a combined team of police officers and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service was deployed to the location,” he said.
According to him, the suspects opened fire upon sighting the security team.
“The operatives responded decisively, forcing the bandits to retreat with suspected gunshot wounds while abandoning all 45 cattle,” Hassan said.
He noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network behind the attacks.
Commenting on the operations, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the collaboration among security agencies, vigilante groups, and community members.
“The success of these operations demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and community partnership in combating crime,” Muhammad said.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains essential in tackling cattle rustling, kidnapping, and other security threats.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and livestock across the state.
Kaduna remains one of the states in Nigeria’s North-West region heavily affected by banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, crimes that have disrupted livelihoods and displaced many rural residents in recent years.
Security agencies have continued to intensify operations in several flashpoint areas as part of efforts to restore peace and improve safety in affected communities.
