The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that controlling roaming cattle in the Federal Capital Territory is not part of its responsibilities, stressing that the police only intervene when the animals are involved in an alleged offence.
Police spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, made the clarification on Tuesday during a joint briefing by security spokespersons while responding to concerns about the growing presence of cows on Abuja roads and other public areas.
According to Iniedu, the responsibility for managing and controlling animals, including cattle, rests with the appropriate environmental authorities.
“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property.
“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station,” he said.
He explained that the police would investigate any formal complaint involving offences allegedly linked to roaming cattle.
“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” Iniedu stated.
The police clarification comes amid increasing concerns over cattle roaming freely on major roads and across parts of the nation’s capital.
Residents have expressed worries over the potential disruption of traffic, threats to public safety and possible destruction of property caused by the animals.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had previously declined to speak extensively on the matter, describing it as an issue connected to national security.
Wike said, “I have the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja, but I won’t talk about it because it’s national security. Go to the NSA and the DSS DG. You know why I can’t touch it.”
