The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 40 stolen livestock during coordinated operations across four local government areas of the state, in what authorities described as another major breakthrough in the fight against organised livestock theft.
The operations, carried out in Gwiwa, Hadejia, Gwaram and Taura Local Government Areas, also led to the interception of two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects to transport stolen animals.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence and distress calls acted upon by police operatives in collaboration with local vigilante groups.
According to him, the timely intervention of security operatives prevented the suspects from disposing of the stolen livestock.
He said the recovered animals comprised 27 sheep, 10 goats and three cows, all reasonably suspected to have been stolen from their owners.
The police 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, and 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, Hadejia; Sama’ila Amadu, 35, of Dallah Quarters, Hadejia; Ibrahim Maikudi, 18, and Bello Muhammad, 25, both of Kundu Waje Settlement Camp in Gwaram Local Government Area.
The command said investigations were ongoing to track down other members of the suspected syndicates who fled during the operations, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and courage, the Commissioner of Police described the successful operation as a demonstration of the command’s resolve to protect lives and property across the state.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led policing, surveillance and coordinated security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in cattle rustling and other violent crimes.
The commissioner also warned individuals engaged in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, stressing that Jigawa State would remain inhospitable to criminals and criminality.
Ibrahim Shuaibu
