From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
On Tuesday, the Kaduna State Police Command announced the arrest of 13 suspected cattle rustlers and the recovery of 27 stolen cows from along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, shared this information in a statement, detailing that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Toll Gate Division on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
According to Hassan, upon receiving the intelligence about potentially rustled cattle being transported in three separate vehicles on the highway, which has become notorious for banditry, kidnappings, and cattle rustling, the DPO acted quickly. He mobilized officers to set up a stop-and-search checkpoint along the busy route.
“On August 17, 2025, at around noon, the DPO of the Toll Gate Division received credible information about suspected rustled cattle being transported along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway,” said Hassan.
“The DPO immediately deployed officers and established a snap stop-and-search checkpoint. Eventually, three vehicles were intercepted, leading to the recovery of 27 cattle.”
The police spokesman reported the names of the arrested suspects as follows: Lawal Sarki, Sule VIO, Ayuba Mohammed, Mohammed Bashir, Abu Mai Chaji, Abdullateef Lateef, Shamsudden Abdullahi, Jonathan Ishaya, and Yakubu Alhassan.
Additionally, four other suspects—Alhaji Abu, Shamsudeen Abdullahi, Lawal Abdullahi, and Abba Hamisu—were apprehended in connection with the rustling syndicate.
During interrogation, one suspect confessed to receiving stolen cows from a notorious bandit kingpin known as Lagu, who has been terrorizing areas in southern Kaduna and along the Kaduna-Abuja route.
“Upon further questioning, one of the suspects admitted to receiving rustled cows from the notorious bandit popularly known as Lagu, who is among the wanted criminals in the area,” Hassan revealed.
“He further admitted to receiving at least 50 rustled cows from an individual named Abdullahi from Rijana, who is currently on the run.”
The police spokesman stated that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network, apprehend any fleeing accomplices, and bring them to justice.
State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, assured that the Command is committed to its fight against cattle rustlers, kidnappers, and other criminal groups threatening residents’ safety.
He emphasized that this successful operation demonstrates the police’s determination to disrupt criminal supply chains and restore peace to troubled communities.
Muhammad commended his officers for their efforts and urged the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
“The Command will not rest in its mission to protect lives and property in the state. We will continue to intensify operations and pursue every lead until those responsible for these criminal activities are brought to justice.
“We also encourage community members to support the police by sharing useful information to help us curb these crimes. Security is a collective responsibility,” the statement said.
