Police Foil Cattle Rustling Attempts, Recover 245 Livestock In Kaduna

Kaduna State Police Command has foiled two separate cattle rustling attempts in Igabi and Hunkuyi areas, recovering 245 stolen cattle and rescuing abducted herders.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement he issued yesterday.

He said bandits invaded a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Rubu Village in the early hours of May 31, 2026, where they tied up three cattle rearers and several guards before rustling a large number of cattle.

According to Hassan, the incident was reported by the chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi Local Government Area, 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 pursuit.

He explained that the joint team trailed the suspects while neighbouring communities were alerted, mounting pressure on the bandits.

“The bandits, unable to withstand the pursuit, abandoned the stolen cattle and their captives and fled into the bush,” Hassan said.

He added that over 200 cattle were recovered unharmed, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In a separate operation, the DPO of Hunkuyi Division launched an investigation and surveillance operation following a report of cattle rustling in the area.

The police spokesman said credible intelligence later revealed that the rustled cattle were being kept in a bush at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria–Kano Expressway.

He said a combined team of police operatives and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) was immediately deployed to the location.

“On sighting the team, the armed bandits opened fire. The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee with suspected gunshot injuries and abandon all 45 cattle”.

Commending the operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the synergy between the police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, CJTF, KADVIS and community members.

He described the operations as proof of effective community-based policing and intelligence sharing, and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property and livestock across Kaduna State.