The police command in Kaduna state said its operatives have recovered no fewer than 273 cattle suspected to have been rustled and detained two suspected rustlers in the process.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said, “On Sunday, acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected rustled cattle mostly from Kauru, Kaura, and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna State were passing through the eastern axis of Akilibu through Rijana Forest.

”The Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, CSP Sani Zuntu led his team with the support of the military and some local vigilante operatives, to intercept the said rustled cattle.

“They were finally intercepted along the Niger-Kaduna State border in Ishau Area of Piaikoro Local Government Area of Niger .

 “Two suspects were arrested in possession of the cattle namely; Tanimu Ibrahim and Bello Musa.”

Mr Hassan said that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed that the cattle were the property of two popular bandits’ leaders who were currently on the run.

He said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network involved in cattle rustling and banditry in the region.

Mr Hassan said the state commissioner of police, Rabiu Muhammad, had commended the swift action of the officers in executing the operation successfully.

He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to fighting criminality in all forms and called on the public to continue to provide useful information to aid the ongoing investigations.

He assured the members of public that the state would continue to be ‘safer and better.’ 

(NAN)