The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected cattle rustlers, including two citizens of Niger Republic, and recovered 40 animals believed to have been stolen during coordinated security operations across the state.
According to The Punch, the arrests followed intelligence-driven operations carried out in Gwiwa, Hadejia, Gwaram and Taura Local Government Areas, where police officers, working with local vigilantes, responded to credible intelligence and distress calls.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Adam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
He said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb cattle rustling and related crimes in the state.
According to Adam, the suspects were apprehended before they could allegedly sell the stolen livestock.
He said security operatives recovered 27 sheep, 10 goats and three cows, bringing the total number of rescued animals to 40.
The spokesperson added that the livestock, believed to have been stolen, had been taken into police custody pending the outcome of investigations.
Two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects during the operations were also recovered.
Adam identified the suspects as Muhammad Musa, 32, and Musa Hassan, 35, both from Maradi in the Niger Republic; Auwalu Musa, 30, of Zangon Maje Settlement Camp; Yahaya Abubakar, 30, of Kwalam town; Abdullahi Amadu, 30; Yahaya Musa, 30, both of Budunma Settlement Camp; Yasir Muda of Kangire Village in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area; Salisu Aliyu, 28, of Yayari Quarters in Hadejia Local Government Area; Sama’ila Amadu, 35, of Dallah Quarters, Hadejia; Ibrahim Maikudi, 18, of Kundu Waje Settlement Camp in Gwaram; and Bello Muhammad, 25, also of Kundu Waje Settlement Camp.
He attributed the successful operation to the swift response of security personnel to actionable intelligence and emergency reports, as well as the collaboration between police operatives and local vigilantes.
“The swift intervention led to the arrest of the suspects before they could successfully dispose of the stolen animals,” Adam said.
He further stated that investigations were ongoing to track down other members of the suspected cattle-rustling syndicate who escaped during the operation.
According to him, the suspects will be prosecuted after investigations are concluded, while the recovered livestock and vehicles will remain in police custody as exhibits.
Adam also said the Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State commended the officers involved for their professionalism and timely response, describing the operation as further evidence of the command’s determination to safeguard lives and property.
He added that the commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led policing, surveillance and coordinated operations to dismantle criminal gangs involved in cattle rustling and other violent offences.
The commissioner also warned criminals operating in the state to abandon their activities or face the full force of the law.
