Police nab 11 cattle thieves, seize 40 stolen animals in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 11 people suspected of stealing cattle. Among those arrested are two men from Niger Republic. They also recovered 40 animals believed to be stolen during operations in four local government areas.

Sources say this success came from careful planning by the police. They worked in Gwiwa, Hadejia, Gwaram, and Taura Local Government Areas. Local vigilantes helped by providing information and responding to distress calls.

SP Shi’isu Adam, the state Police Public Relations Officer, shared the news on Wednesday in Dutse, the state capital. He said these operations are part of the police's ongoing fight against cattle rustling and other crimes.

Adam explained that the suspects were caught before they could sell the stolen animals. The operation led to the recovery of 27 sheep, 10 goats, and three cows, totaling 40 animals. He mentioned that these animals are suspected to be stolen and are now in police custody while investigations continue.

The police also found two vehicles that the suspects used during their operations. Adam listed the names of the suspects: Muhammad Musa, 32, and Musa Hassan, 35, both from Maradi in Niger Republic; Auwalu Musa, 30, from Zangon Maje Settlement Camp; Yahaya Abubakar, 30, from Kwalam town; Abdullahi Amadu, 30; Yahaya Musa, 30, both from Budunma Settlement Camp; Yasir Muda from Kangire Village, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area; Salisu Aliyu, 28, from Yayari Quarters, Hadejia Local Government Area; Sama’ila Amadu, 35, from Dallah Quarters, Hadejia; Ibrahim Maikudi, 18, from Kundu Waje Settlement Camp, Gwaram; and Bello Muhammad, 25, also from Kundu Waje Settlement Camp.

He noted that the arrests were made possible by quick responses to credible information and distress calls. The teamwork between police and local vigilantes helped make the operations successful.

“The quick response led to the arrest of the suspects before they could sell the stolen animals,” Adam said. He also mentioned that investigations are still ongoing to catch other members of the group who escaped during the operations.

Once investigations are finished, the suspects will face charges in court. The police will keep the recovered animals and vehicles as evidence.

Adam also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, praising the officers for their hard work and quick response. The commissioner called the operation a sign of the police's commitment to protecting lives and property.

He added that the command will keep focusing on intelligence-led policing, surveillance, and coordinated operations to break up criminal groups involved in cattle rustling and other violent crimes. He warned anyone involved in criminal activities to stop or face serious consequences.