The police command in Jigawa has apprehended two Nigeriens and nine others for alleged cattle rustling.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu, said in a statement in Dutse on Wednesday that the suspects were arrested recently in four local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Mr Shiisu said that the arrest was part of the command’s sustained efforts to combat animal theft and other criminal activities across the state.

He explained that two of the suspects are from Maradi in the Niger Republic while the other nine are from various communities in Gwaram, Gwiwa, Hadejia, and Taura LGAs of the state.

“The suspects aged between 18 and 35, were arrested in operations which followed prompt responses to credible intelligence and distress reports, carried out by police operatives in collaboration with a vigilante group.

“The swift intervention led to the arrest of the suspects before they could successfully dispose of the animals which include 27 sheep, 10 goats, three cows, reasonably suspected to have been stolen.

“Additionally two operational motor vehicles allegedly used by the suspects in carrying out their criminal activities were intercepted and taken into police custody as exhibits,” the spokesperson said.

He added that the investigation was ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicates while the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Mr Shiisu reiterated the command’s commitment to preventing crime and criminal activities in all parts of the state. 

(NAN)