The Jigawa State Police Command has burst a cattle-rustling syndicate terrorising three local government areas of the state, arresting seven suspects and recovering eight cows and two operational vehicles.

Confirming the breakthrough in an interview with PUNCH Online on Friday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, the PPRO of the Jigawa State Police Command, Shi’isu Adam, said the arrest was a significant success in the command’s sustained fight against cattle rustling across the state.

The PPRO said the suspects were members of a syndicate operating across Garki, Jahun and Miga Local Government Areas of the state.

Adam said, “The suspects were apprehended by police personnel during routine patrol operations, following actionable intelligence and timely information provided by vigilant members of the public.”

He said during the operation, police operatives successfully intercepted two operational vehicles suspected to be used by the syndicate for their criminal activities.

Adam stated that “Eight cows suspected to have been rustled were recovered” during the operation.

He explained that the arrests and recoveries followed sustained intelligence gathering, community engagement and intensified patrols in identified flashpoints and vulnerable areas.

The police spokesman said, “The Command’s proactive response, coupled with the cooperation of members of the public, contributed significantly to disrupting the activities of the criminal network.”

He stated further that the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended the police personnel involved in the operation for their vigilance, courage and professionalism.

According to him, “He equally appreciated members of the public whose timely information assisted the Command in apprehending the suspects and recovering the cows.”

Giving the identities of the suspects, the PPRO listed them as Sulaiman Tijjani, 20, of Gunka village, Jahun LGA; Abdullahi Musa, 40, of Chai-chai village, Ringim LGA; and Bala Muhd, 30, of Ayama village, Auyo LGA.

Others, he said, are Isah Adamu, 27, of Tagwai village, Miga LGA; Yusuf Sa’idu, 32, of Kukui village, Taura LGA; Mansur Usaini, 29, of Majiyawa village, Ringim LGA; and Kaku Abubakar, 27, of Jajimaje village, Yobe State.

Listing the exhibits recovered, Adam said they include a dark blue Golf with registration number WRA 158 FU; an ash Golf 3 wagon with registration number ABJ 493 HN, Abuja; and eight cows.

He added that, “The seven suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting operatives with useful information into their activities.”

The PPRO further stated that efforts were being intensified to identify other members of the syndicate and recover additional rustled livestock.