The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the recovery of 245 cattle after security operatives and local vigilantes thwarted separate cattle-rustling incidents in Igabi and Kudan local government areas.
Police said the operations took place on May 31 and involved coordinated efforts by officers, vigilante groups and members of affected communities.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said armed bandits attacked a Fulani settlement near Rubu Village in Igabi Local Government Area during the early hours of Sunday. The attackers reportedly restrained three cattle herders and several guards before taking away a large number of cattle.
According to Hassan, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA alerted the authorities about the attack. The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Rigachikun Division subsequently mobilised police personnel, Miyetti Allah vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force to pursue the suspects.
“The joint team trailed the suspects while alerting neighbouring communities and mounting intense pressure on the bandits.
“Unable to withstand the pursuit, the bandits abandoned the stolen cattle and their captives and fled into the bush. Over 200 cattle were recovered unharmed, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” the statement said.
The command also disclosed that another operation led to the recovery of 45 cattle in Hunkuyi.
Hassan explained that police launched an investigation after receiving a report of cattle theft. Intelligence later revealed that the animals had been concealed in a bush around Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.
A joint team comprising police operatives and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service was deployed to the location.
“On sighting the team, the armed bandits opened fire. The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee with suspected gunshot injuries and abandon all 45 cattle,” Hassan stated.
He added that investigations were continuing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects as well as dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attacks.
Hassan said the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, praised the cooperation among the police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, the Civilian Joint Task Force, the Kaduna State Vigilance Service and community members.
According to him, the commissioner described the successful operations as proof of the effectiveness of intelligence-led and community-based policing.
Muhammad also appealed to residents to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information to support efforts aimed at tackling criminal activities across the state.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property and livestock in Kaduna State.
Kaduna remains one of the North-West states heavily affected by cattle rustling, banditry and kidnapping. Security agencies have continued to conduct joint operations in several flashpoint areas as part of efforts to curb the crimes and restore safety in affected communities.
