The police in Kaduna State have successfully disrupted two separate cattle rustling operations, rescuing kidnapped herders and recovering 245 stolen cattle in coordinated security operations across Igabi and Hunkuyi Local Government Areas.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the first incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, May 31, 2026, when armed bandits attacked a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Ruby village in Igabi Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly tied up three cattle herders and several vigilante guards before driving away a large number of cattle from the community.
The incident was later reported to authorities by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Igabi, prompting the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division to mobilise a joint response team comprising police operatives, Miyetti Allah vigilantes, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
The combined security team launched a coordinated pursuit of the attackers, alerting surrounding communities and tightening pressure on the fleeing suspects.
Unable to withstand the sustained pursuit, the bandits reportedly abandoned the rustled cattle and escaped into nearby bushes.
Police confirmed that more than 200 cattle were recovered in the operation, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation in Hunkuyi Local Government Area, police acted on credible intelligence indicating another cattle rustling activity in the area.
Investigators traced the stolen animals to a bush location at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria–Kano Expressway.
A joint team of police operatives and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service was immediately deployed to the scene.
Upon arrival, the suspected rustlers reportedly opened fire on the security operatives, leading to a gun battle.
The officers responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange.
“All rustled cattle found at the scene were recovered,” the police statement confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the synergy between security agencies, local vigilantes, and community members, describing the operations as a clear result of improved intelligence sharing and cooperation.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and livestock across the state.
Investigations are ongoing as police intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects involved in both incidents.
