By Ayomide Otitoju
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 kidnapped herders.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.
According to the statement, armed bandits invaded a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Ruby village in Igabi Local Government Area in the early hours of May 31, 2026. The attackers reportedly tied up three cattle herders and several guards before rustling a large herd of cattle.
The incident was reported by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA, prompting the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division to mobilise police operatives, Miyetti Allah vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
The joint security team launched a coordinated operation, alerting neighbouring communities and pursuing the suspects. Under pressure from the security operatives, the bandits abandoned the stolen cattle and fled into nearby bushes.
Police said more than 200 cattle were recovered unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation, officers attached to the Hunkuyi Division acted on intelligence regarding another cattle-rustling incident and traced the stolen animals to a bush area at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.
A combined team of police operatives and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service was deployed to the area. On sighting the security team, the suspects reportedly opened fire, resulting in a gun battle.
The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee. Police said some of the suspects were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange.
Commenting on the successful operations, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the collaboration among security agencies, vigilante groups and local communities.
He described the recoveries as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and community-based policing, and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Muhammad reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property and livestock across the state.
