From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has thwarted two separate cattle rustling and kidnapping attempts in Igabi and Hunkuyi Local Government Areas, recovering a total of 245 rustled cattle and rescuing captives in the early hours of May 31, 2026.
According to a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, armed bandits invaded a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Rubu Village in Igabi LGA, tied up three cattle rearers and several guards, and rustled a large number of cattle. The Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi LGA reported the incident.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division immediately mobilized police operatives, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force for a coordinated pursuit. The joint team tracked the suspects, alerted neighboring communities, and increased pressure on the bandits.
Unable to withstand the chase, the bandits abandoned the stolen cattle and their captives and fled into the bush. DSP Hassan said that over 200 cattle had been recovered unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a related incident, on the same day, the DPO of Hunkuyi Division launched an investigation after receiving a separate report of cattle rustling. Credible intelligence placed the rustled cattle in a bush at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria–Kano Expressway early that morning.
A combined team of police operatives and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service was dispatched to the location. Upon sighting the team, the armed bandits opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee with suspected gunshot injuries and abandon all 45 cattle.
Investigations are ongoing in both cases to arrest the suspects and dismantle their networks, DSP Hassan said. He noted that the recoveries and rescues were made possible through intelligence sharing and community cooperation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, PSC, MNI, commended the synergy between the Police, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, CJTF, KADVIS, and community members. He described the operations as proof that community-based policing and intelligence gathering are yielding results.
He urged residents across the state to sustain their support by providing timely and credible information to security agencies. The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and livestock across Kaduna State.
