Jigawa police arrest 21-year-old Niger Republic suspect after intercepting eight stolen cows in a cross-border rustling attempt.

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Muhammad Abdullahi, from Niger Republic for allegedly smuggling eight stolen cows across the border.

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The arrest was confirmed on Sunday, December 1, 2025, in Dutse, the state capital, by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam.

SP Adam stated that Abdullahi was intercepted at Matoya village in Maigatari Local Government Area at around 10:30 a.m. on November 29, 2025, acting on tips from vigilant community members.

The recovered livestock are now held in custody for identification and return to their owners.

“The swift action of the men of the command demonstrates the power of community-police collaboration in tackling rustling, which threatens our herders’ livelihoods,” Adam said, adding that investigations are ongoing to apprehend Abdullahi’s accomplice and ensure full justice.

The recent arrest follows a similar operation last month, when police recovered six stolen cows from a 25-year-old suspected rustler in Birnin Kudu LGA, disrupting a potential criminal syndicate.

In a separate operation the same day, Taura Division officers arrested 27-year-old Adamu Yahaya from Kwalam town for vandalism.

Adam revealed that Yahaya was found at a hideout with three sacks of electric wires ripped from government power lines, with preliminary investigations suggesting he conspired with others to sabotage state infrastructure.

Commissioner of Police for Jigawa State commended the professionalism of the officers and the active participation of residents.

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The police command reiterated its commitment to combating crimes such as cattle rustling and vandalism, urging communities to continue providing timely intelligence to maintain security across the state.