Armed security operatives in Kaduna State have thwarted two separate cattle rustling and kidnapping attempts in Igabi and Hunkuyi Local Government Areas, leading to the recovery of 245 stolen cattle.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed that armed bandits attacked a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Rubu Village in the early hours of May 31, 2026. According to him, the assailants tied up three cattle rearers and several guards before making away with a large number of cattle.
Hassan said the incident was reported by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA, adding that “the DPO, Rigachikun Division, immediately mobilized police operatives, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, and the Civilian Joint Task Force for a coordinated pursuit”.
“The joint team trailed the suspects while alerting neighboring communities, mounting intense pressure on the bandits. Unable to withstand the pursuit, the bandits abandoned the stolen cattle and their captives and fled into the bush”, Hassan said.
“Over 200 cattle were recovered unharmed. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing”, he added.
In a separate operation, Hassan explained that “following a separate report of cattle rustling, the DPO, Hunkuyi Division, launched an investigation and surveillance operation.”
He pointed out that “in the early hours of 31st May, 2026, credible intelligence placed the rustled cattle in a bush at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria–Kano Expressway”, stressing, “a combined team of police operatives and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service was dispatched 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. Investigations are ongoing to arrest the suspects and dismantle their network”, Hassan said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the collaboration among the Police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, the Civilian Joint Task Force, KADVIS, and local communities. He described “the operations as proof of effective community-based policing and intelligence sharing.”
The police commissioner also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with prompt and reliable information, reaffirming the command’s determination to safeguard lives, property, and livestock across Kaduna State.
