Police foil cattle rustling attempt, recover eight cows in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has foiled an attempt by suspected cattle rustlers to steal eight cows in Darazo Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the suspected rustlers fled after operatives responded to a tip-off from a resident in the early hours of Thursday, abandoning the cattle and a vehicle allegedly used in the operation.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Habib said the command received information at about 2:58am that suspected cattle rustlers were loading cows into a Chevrolet saloon car with registration number DAS 452 NE.

He said, “At about 0258hrs, the Command received a timely tip-off from a vigilant citizen, who reported that a group of suspected cattle rustlers were sighted loading cows into a Chevrolet Saloon car with Registration Number DAS 452 NE.

“According to the report, two cows had already been forced into the vehicle while six others were held at the scene awaiting loading.”

According to the police spokesman, operatives attached to the Darazo Division immediately mobilised to the scene following the report.

He said the suspects fled into the darkness after sighting the police team, abandoning the vehicle and the cattle.

“Upon arrival at the scene, operatives recovered the abandoned Chevrolet saloon car with two cows inside, while the remaining six cows were found tethered nearby, yet to be loaded,” Habib stated.

He said the vehicle and eight cows were secured as exhibits while efforts were made to identify their owner.

According to Habib, the cattle were subsequently released to their rightful owner on bond, while a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects.

The Police Public Relations Officer quoted the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, as commending the resident whose vigilance and prompt action led to the recovery of the cattle.

The commissioner also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property and livestock across the state.