POLICE FOIL OVERNIGHT CATTLE THEFT IN BAUCHI, RECOVER EIGHT COWS

The Bauchi State Police Command has prevented an alleged cattle-rustling operation in Darazo Local Government Area, recovering eight cows and a vehicle abandoned by suspected rustlers who escaped after security operatives arrived at the scene.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday following a tip-off from a resident who alerted the police to suspicious activity involving a group of people allegedly attempting to move cattle into a vehicle. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Nafiu Habib, said the information was received at about 2:58am.

According to the police, the suspects were seen loading the animals into a Chevrolet saloon car with registration number DAS 452 NE. By the time the information reached the authorities, two cows had already been forced into the vehicle, while another six were being kept nearby and were reportedly awaiting transportation.

Operatives from the Darazo Police Division immediately mobilised to the location after receiving the alert. However, the suspected rustlers reportedly noticed the arrival of the police and fled into the darkness, leaving both the cattle and the vehicle behind.

Police officers subsequently secured the abandoned Chevrolet, where they found two cows inside. The other six animals were discovered tethered close to the location. The eight cows and the vehicle were taken into custody as exhibits while efforts were initiated to establish the ownership of the cattle and identify the fleeing suspects.

The police later confirmed that the recovered cattle had been released to their rightful owner on bond after ownership was established. Meanwhile, the command said efforts were continuing to track down those suspected of being behind the attempted theft.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the resident whose vigilance and prompt communication with the authorities helped prevent the cattle from being stolen.

Aliyu also encouraged residents across the state to remain alert and report unusual or suspicious movements to the police and other security agencies. He stressed that timely information from members of the public can assist security personnel in preventing crimes and protecting lives and property.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling criminal activities involving livestock and ensuring the safety of residents and their property across Bauchi State.