Thirteen suspects have been arrested and 25 stolen cows recovered in Kaduna State following a coordinated anti-rustling operation by security operatives along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
The operation, which took place on August 17, was launched after police received credible intelligence that three vehicles were transporting suspected rustled cattle along the busy highway, a route often used by criminal syndicates for smuggling livestock and other illegal activities.
According to security sources, the vehicles involved were a Peugeot J5 bus with registration number MKR 498 XA (Abuja), a Toyota Hiace bus with plate number DKA 805 XC (Kaduna), and another Peugeot J5 marked MKA 739 XA (Kaduna).
Upon interception, the vehicles were found to be packed with 23 cows. Nine suspects, who were riding in the vehicles, were immediately arrested. They were identified as:
– Lawal Sarki of Ungwan Dosa, Kaduna
– Sule VIO of Barnawa, Kaduna
– Ayuba Mohammed of Ungwan Dosa
– Mohammed Bashir of Ungwan Dosa
– Abu Mai Chaji of Sabon Tasha
– Abdullateef Lateef of Kabala West
– Shamsudden Abdullahi of Sabon Tasha
– Jonathan Ishaya of Rijana
– Yakubu Alhassan of Kurmin Mashi
Following the arrests, the case was transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the police for further investigation. Acting on leads provided during initial interrogations, operatives proceeded with follow-up raids and successfully apprehended four more suspects, bringing the total to 13.
The additional suspects arrested were:
– Alhaji Abu of Suleja, Niger State
– Shamsudeen Abdullahi of Layin Rimi, Kakuri
– Lawal Abdullahi of Layin Rimi, Kakuri
– Abba Hamisu of Nasarawa, Kaduna
Two more cows were also recovered during the second phase of the operation, raising the total number of recovered animals to 25.
Police said the breakthrough came when one of the suspects confessed during interrogation. He admitted to receiving cows from a notorious bandit known as “Lagu,” who remains at large and is believed to be behind several cattle rustling operations in Kaduna and neighbouring states.
The suspect also revealed that he had taken delivery of no fewer than 50 stolen cows from another known fugitive involved in livestock theft.
Investigators say the case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Kaduna for further profiling and prosecution of the suspects. Authorities are also working to track and apprehend the identified bandits and recover additional stolen cattle.
Cattle rustling has remained a persistent threat to livestock owners, especially in Northern Nigeria, where farmers and herders depend on animals for survival and livelihood. The illegal trade is often linked with banditry, kidnapping, and arms trafficking, especially in remote and forested parts of states like Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger.
Communities along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway have been particularly vulnerable due to the route’s proximity to hideouts used by criminal gangs. Despite efforts by the federal and state governments to secure the region, cases of cattle rustling, attacks on travelers, and ransom kidnappings continue to surface.
However, security agencies have stepped up surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-sharing, leading to the recovery of animals and arrest of suspects involved in the illegal trade.
The police have urged the public, especially rural dwellers and transport workers, to be vigilant and report suspicious movement of cattle and goods, particularly during odd hours or in areas not known for livestock trade.
A senior police officer in Kaduna, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:
“We want to assure citizens that our operations against cattle rustlers and their sponsors will continue until these criminal networks are dismantled. We also encourage community leaders and transport unions to support us by sharing information early.”
The Kaduna State government has also been pushing for reforms in livestock tracking and documentation. It previously introduced cattle branding and registration initiatives to trace ownership and reduce the risk of illegal sales.
Meanwhile, the 13 arrested suspects remain in custody pending further investigation and possible arraignment in court.
