The Kaduna State Police Command has foiled two separate cattle-rustling operations in Igabi and Hunkuyi Local Government Areas, recovering 245 stolen cattle and rescuing abducted herders.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.
According to the statement, armed bandits attacked a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Ruby village in Igabi Local Government Area in the early hours of Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The attackers reportedly restrained three cattle herders and several guards before rustling a large number of cattle from the settlement.
The incident was reported by the local chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi Local Government Area, prompting the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division to mobilise police operatives alongside Miyetti Allah vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
A coordinated pursuit operation was immediately launched, with neighbouring communities alerted to assist in tracking the suspects.
Faced with sustained pressure from the joint security team, the bandits abandoned the stolen livestock and fled into nearby bushes.
Police said more than 200 cattle were recovered unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Gun Battle in Hunkuyi
In a separate operation, officers attached to Hunkuyi Division acted on intelligence regarding another cattle-rustling incident.
Investigators traced the stolen livestock to a bush area at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria–Kano Expressway.
A joint team comprising police personnel and members of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service was deployed to the location.
According to the command, the armed suspects opened fire upon sighting the security operatives, resulting in a gun battle.
The officers responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to retreat into the surrounding bush. Some of the suspects were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange.
“All rustled cattle found at the scene were recovered,” the statement said.
In total, 245 stolen cattle were recovered during the two operations.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the cooperation between security agencies, vigilante groups and local communities, describing the successful operations as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and community partnership.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property and livestock across the state.