Police and vigilantes recover 245 stolen cattle in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command, working with local vigilantes, has stopped two cattle-rustling and kidnapping attempts in Igabi and Kudan Local Government Areas. They recovered 245 stolen cattle in the process.

The police said these operations took place on May 31. They were part of coordinated efforts by police officers, local vigilantes, and community members.

DSP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer, shared that bandits attacked a Fulani settlement near Rubu Village in Igabi LGA early on Sunday. They tied up three cattle rearers and several guards before stealing many cattle.

Hassan explained that the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA reported the incident. This led the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division to mobilize police officers, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force for a rescue mission.

"The joint team tracked the suspects while alerting nearby communities and applying pressure on the bandits.

"The bandits could not handle the pursuit. They left behind the stolen cattle and their captives, fleeing into the bush. Over 200 cattle were recovered unharmed. Efforts to catch the fleeing suspects are still ongoing," the statement said.

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

A combined team of police officers and Kaduna State Vigilance Service personnel went to the area.

"When the armed bandits saw the team, they opened fire. The officers responded with better firepower. This made the bandits run away with what seemed to be gunshot injuries, leaving behind all 45 cattle," Hassan stated.

The police spokesperson mentioned that investigations were still in progress to catch the fleeing suspects and break the criminal network behind the attacks. He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, praising the teamwork between the police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, the Civilian Joint Task Force, the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, and community members. He described the successful operations as proof of effective policing based on intelligence and community involvement.

Muhammad urged residents to keep supporting security agencies with timely and reliable information. This will help the ongoing efforts to fight criminal activities in the state. He also assured that the command is committed to protecting lives, property, and livestock all over Kaduna State.

Kaduna is one of the North-West states most affected by cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping. These crimes have disrupted farming and livestock activities. They have also displaced thousands of residents from rural areas over the years.

The state government and security agencies have often launched joint operations targeting criminal hideouts in local government areas known for these issues. These include Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kajuru, and parts of the Kaduna-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano roads.

Recently, security forces have reported several successes. These include rescuing kidnapped victims, eliminating suspected bandits, recovering stolen livestock, and arresting informants and suppliers linked to criminal gangs operating in and around the state.

However, authorities have said that gathering intelligence and having continued community support are crucial to stopping cattle rustling and kidnapping. These issues still pose security and economic challenges for many rural communities in Kaduna and nearby states.