Police Recover 245 Rustled Cattle in Kaduna, Foil Kidnap Attempts

The Kaduna State Police Command says it has foiled two separate cattle rustling and kidnapping attempts in Igabi and Kudan local government areas of the state, recovering 245 cattle. The command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement on Monday that over 200 cattle were recovered after armed bandits attacked a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Rubu Village in Igabi LGA in the early hours of Saturday. He said the attackers tied up three cattle rearers and several guards before rustling a large number of cattle. According to him, the incident was reported by the chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA, prompting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rigachikun Division to mobilise police operatives, Miyetti Allah vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) for a coordinated operation. Federal workers reject N100,000 minimum wage proposal Pupils, Teachers’ Abduction Sparks Protests in Oyo, Ogun “The team trailed the suspects and alerted neighbouring communities, mounting pressure on the bandits. “Unable to withstand the pursuit, the bandits abandoned the stolen cattle and their captives and fled into the bush,” the statement said. The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects. In a separate operation, Hassan said police recovered 45 cattle rustled by bandits in Hunkuyi area following intelligence reports. He said credible intelligence led operatives to a bush at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria–Kano Expressway, where the stolen cattle were being kept. “A combined team of police operatives and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) was dispatched to the location. “On sighting the team, the armed bandits opened fire. The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the suspects to flee with suspected gunshot injuries and abandon all 45 cattle,” he said. The command said investigations were ongoing to arrest the suspects and dismantle their network. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the collaboration between the police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, CJTF, KADVIS and community members. He said the successful operations indicated the importance of community policing and intelligence sharing in tackling insecurity across the state. Muhammad urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.