The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of a cattle-rustling syndicate operating across three local government areas and recovered eight cows and two vehicles.
The command’s spokesperson, Shi’isu Adam, disclosed this in an interview on Friday.
He said the suspects were apprehended during routine patrols following actionable intelligence and information from members of the public.
According to Adam, the syndicate operated across Garki, Jahun and Miga Local Government Areas of the state.
“The suspects were apprehended by police personnel during routine patrol operations, following actionable intelligence and timely information provided by vigilant members of the public,” he said.
The police spokesperson said operatives also intercepted two vehicles allegedly being used by the suspects for their activities.
“Eight cows suspected to have been rustled were recovered,” he added.
Adam said the arrests and recoveries followed sustained intelligence gathering, community engagement and intensified patrols in identified flashpoints and vulnerable areas.
He said the command’s proactive approach, combined with cooperation from residents, had helped disrupt the activities of the suspected criminal network.
The suspects were identified as Sulaiman Tijjani, 20, of Gunka village, Jahun LGA; Abdullahi Musa, 40, of Chai-chai village, Ringim LGA; Bala Muhd, 30, of Ayama village, Auyo LGA; Isah Adamu, 27, of Tagwai village, Miga LGA; Yusuf Sa’idu, 32, of Kukui village, Taura LGA; Mansur Usaini, 29, of Majiyawa village, Ringim LGA; and Kaku Abubakar, 27, of Jajimaje village, Yobe State.
Items recovered during the operation included a dark blue Golf car with registration number WRA 158 FU, an ash Golf 3 wagon with registration number ABJ 493 HN, Abuja, and eight cows.
Adam said the seven suspects remained in police custody and were assisting investigators with information about their activities.
He added that efforts were ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and recover more rustled livestock.
The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, Tijjani Murtala, commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance, courage and professionalism.
He also appreciated members of the public whose information assisted the police in arresting the suspects and recovering the cows.