Authorities apprehend 11 suspects in livestock theft, rescue 40 stolen cattle in Jigawa

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The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected cattle rustlers, including two Nigerien nationals, and recovered 40 animals believed to have been stolen during coordinated operations across four local government areas of the state.

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PUNCH Online gathered that the breakthrough followed intelligence-led operations conducted in Gwiwa, Hadejia, Gwaram and Taura Local Government Areas, where police operatives, working alongside local vigilantes, acted on credible intelligence and distress calls.

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The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday in Dutse, the state capital, saying the operations formed part of the command’s sustained efforts to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

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According to the police spokesman, the suspects were arrested before they could allegedly dispose of the stolen animals.

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Adam said the operation led to the recovery of 27 sheep, 10 goats and three cows, bringing the total number of recovered animals to 40.

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He added that the animals were reasonably suspected to have been stolen and had been taken into police custody as investigations continue.

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The police also recovered two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects during the operations.

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Adam identified the suspects as Muhammad Musa, 32, and Musa Hassan, 35, both from Maradi, Niger Republic; Auwalu Musa, 30, of Zangon Maje Settlement Camp; Yahaya Abubakar, 30, of Kwalam town; Abdullahi Amadu, 30; Yahaya Musa, 30, both of Budunma Settlement Camp; Yasir Muda of Kangire Village, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area; Salisu Aliyu, 28, of Yayari Quarters, Hadejia Local Government Area; Sama’ila Amadu, 35, of Dallah Quarters, Hadejia; Ibrahim Maikudi, 18, of Kundu Waje Settlement Camp, Gwaram; and Bello Muhammad, 25, also of Kundu Waje Settlement Camp.

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He said the arrests were made possible through prompt responses to credible intelligence and distress calls, adding that collaboration between police operatives and local vigilantes contributed to the success of the operations.

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“The swift intervention led to the arrest of the suspects before they could successfully dispose of the stolen animals,” Adam said.

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The police spokesman said investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected members of the syndicate who escaped during the operations.

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He added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while the recovered animals and vehicles would be retained as exhibits.

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Adam also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, as commending the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response, describing the operation as another demonstration of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

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According to the statement, the commissioner said the command would continue to intensify intelligence-led policing, surveillance and coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in cattle rustling and other violent crimes.

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He also warned those involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.

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