Police and local vigilantes recover 245 stolen cattle in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command worked with local vigilantes to stop two cattle-rustling and kidnapping attempts in Igabi and Kudan Local Government Areas. They recovered 245 stolen cattle during these operations.

The police carried out these actions on May 31 after getting reports from community members. The operations were a team effort involving police operatives and local vigilantes.

On Sunday morning, bandits attacked a Fulani settlement near Rubu Village in Igabi LGA. They tied up three cattle rearers and some guards before stealing many cattle.

DSP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA reported the incident. This led the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division to mobilize police operatives, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force for a rescue operation.

“The joint team trailed the suspects while alerting neighbouring communities and putting pressure on the bandits.

“Unable to withstand the pursuit, the bandits left the stolen cattle and their captives and fled into the bush. Over 200 cattle were recovered unharmed. We are still working to catch the fleeing suspects,” the statement said.

In another operation, police recovered 45 more cattle in Hunkuyi. The police said they got a report about cattle rustling. The DPO of Hunkuyi Division then started an investigation and surveillance operation. They got credible information that the stolen cattle were hidden in a bush at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria, Kano Expressway.

The statement said a combined team of police operatives and Kaduna State Vigilance Service personnel was sent to that area.

“When the armed bandits saw the team, they opened fire. The operatives responded with stronger firepower, forcing the bandits to flee with possible gunshot injuries and leave all 45 cattle behind,” Hassan said.

The police spokesperson said investigations are still ongoing to catch the fleeing suspects and break down the criminal network behind these attacks.

He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, who praised the teamwork between the police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, the Civilian Joint Task Force, the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, and community members. He called the successful operations proof of the power of intelligence-driven and community-based policing.

Muhammad urged residents to keep helping security agencies with timely and reliable information. He stressed that this support is important to tackle criminal activities in the state.

He also promised that the police will keep working to protect lives, property, and livestock across Kaduna State.

Kaduna is one of the North-West states most hit by cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping. These crimes have disrupted farming and livestock activities and forced many people to leave their rural homes.

The state government and security agencies have repeatedly carried out joint security operations targeting criminal hideouts in many local government areas. These include Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kajuru, and parts of the Kaduna-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano roads.

In recent months, security forces have reported some successes. They include rescuing kidnapped victims, neutralizing suspected bandits, recovering stolen livestock, and arresting informants and suppliers linked to criminal gangs around the state.

However, authorities have said that gathering intelligence and community support are still key to stopping cattle rustling and kidnapping, which continue to create security and economic problems for many rural communities in Kaduna and nearby states.