By Mohammad Tijjani
The Kaduna State Police Command says it has foiled two separate cattle rustling and kidnapping attempts in Igabi and Kudan Local Government Areas, recovering 245 stolen cattle.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.
Hassan said that the first incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, when armed bandits invaded a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Rubu Village in Igabi LGA.
According to him, the bandits tied up three cattle herders and several guards before rustling a large number of cattle.
He said the incident was reported by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA, prompting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rigachikun Division, CSP Musa Majiya, who mobilise police operatives, Miyetti Allah vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) for a coordinated pursuit.
”The joint team trailed the suspects while alerting neighbouring communities and mounting sustained pressure on the bandits.
”Unable to withstand the pursuit, the bandits abandoned the stolen cattle and their captives and fled into the bush.
”More than 200 cattle were recovered unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he said.
Hassan added that in a separate operation, the DPO of Hunkuyi Division, CSP Hassan Falladan, launched an investigation and surveillance mission following a report of cattle rustling in the area.
He said credible intelligence later revealed that the rustled cattle were being kept in a bush at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.
According to him, a combined team of police operatives and personnel of the Kaduna state Vigilance Service (KADVIS) was deployed to the location.
”On sighting the team, the armed bandits opened fire.
”The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the suspects to flee with suspected gunshot injuries and abandoning all 45 cattle in their possession.”
The police spokesman said investigations were ongoing to arrest the suspects and dismantle their network.
He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, as commending the collaboration among the police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, CJTF, KADVIS and community members.
Muhammad said that the successful operations demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based policing and intelligence sharing in combating crime.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property and livestock across the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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