Writing By Daniel Karlmax; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Kaduna State Police Command has successfully foiled two separate cattle rustling and kidnapping attempts in Igabi and Hunkuyi Local Government Areas, leading to the recovery of 245 stolen cattles.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan says, the first incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, when armed bandits attacked a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Rubu Village in Igabi LGA.
According to it, the assailants reportedly tied up three cattle rearers and several guards before making away with a large number of cattle.
The attack was promptly reported by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA, prompting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rigachikun Division to mobilize police operatives alongside Miyetti Allah vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) for a coordinated pursuit.
The joint security team tracked the suspects while alerting neighboring communities, placing sustained pressure on the fleeing bandits.
Unable to withstand the pursuit, the criminals abandoned the stolen cattle and their captives before escaping into the bush.
More than 200 cattle were recovered unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation, the DPO of Hunkuyi Division acted on a report of cattle rustling and launched an intensive investigation and surveillance mission.
Credible intelligence later located the rustled cattle in a bush at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria–Kano Expressway.
A combined team of police operatives and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) was immediately deployed to the area.
Upon sighting the security team, the armed bandits opened fire, triggering a gun battle.
The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the suspects to flee with suspected gunshot injuries while abandoning all 45 rustled cattle, which were subsequently recovered.
The Police Command said investigations are ongoing to arrest the suspects and dismantle the criminal networks behind the attacks.
Commending the success of the operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the collaboration between the Police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, CJTF, KADVIS, and community members.
He described the operations as evidence of the effectiveness of community-based policing and intelligence sharing, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and livestock across Kaduna State.
Daniel Karlmax
