In a resolute effort to curb the rising tide of livestock theft and related criminal activities plaguing rural communities in Jigawa State, the Jigawa State Police Command has announced a series of successful operations leading to the arrest of multiple suspects involved in cattle rustling, property theft, and vandalism. The spokesperson for the command, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, provided detailed accounts of these operations, underscoring the police’s unwavering commitment to restoring security and protecting the livelihoods of residents in the state’s agrarian communities. The arrests, conducted across various local government areas (LGAs), highlight the police’s proactive approach in addressing crimes that have caused significant economic losses and distress among farmers and residents. Below is an in-depth report on the recent operations, the suspects involved, and the broader implications for security in Jigawa State.
Operation Against Cattle Theft in Malam Madori LGA
One of the most significant breakthroughs in the police’s recent efforts was the arrest of 25-year-old Usman Yusuf, a resident of Boguwa Fulani Settlement in Malam Madori LGA. According to SP Shiisu, Yusuf was apprehended following a meticulously planned operation prompted by a report of a break-in and theft at the residence of Alhaji Adamu Hussaini in Maidaru Village. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of an unspecified date, involved Yusuf and an accomplice, Haruna Birau, who allegedly conspired to steal a bull valued at N800,000. The stolen animal was a prized possession, and its loss represented a significant economic setback for Hussaini, a local farmer whose livelihood depends on livestock rearing.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives from the Malam Madori Division swiftly mobilized to track down the suspects. Their efforts paid off when Yusuf was apprehended, and the stolen bull was recovered in his possession. However, Haruna Birau, his alleged accomplice, managed to evade arrest and remains at large. SP Shiisu emphasized that the police have launched a manhunt to apprehend Birau, employing both intelligence-driven strategies and community cooperation to ensure his capture. The recovery of the bull was a significant victory, not only for Hussaini but also for the community, as it demonstrated the police’s ability to respond effectively to livestock theft—a crime that has long plagued rural areas in Jigawa State.
This case underscores the economic and social toll of cattle rustling in the region. For many residents of Malam Madori and similar LGAs, livestock represents a primary source of income, food security, and cultural pride. The theft of a single animal, such as the N800,000 bull stolen from Hussaini, can devastate a family’s financial stability. By recovering the stolen bull and arresting one of the culprits, the police have sent a strong message to criminals that such acts will not go unpunished. However, the escape of Birau highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling organized livestock theft, which often involves networks of criminals operating across multiple villages and LGAs.
Interception of Stolen Livestock on Baturiya–Hadejia Road
In a separate operation, the Jigawa State Police Command demonstrated its vigilance by intercepting two suspects along the Baturiya–Hadejia Road, a key route often exploited by criminals to transport stolen goods. The suspects, identified as 40-year-old Isubu Adamu, alias Banbalasta, from Kokura Fulani Settlement in Kiri Kasamma LGA, and 30-year-old Danladi Maikudi of Kujuru Village in the same LGA, were apprehended while transporting two stolen cows in an unregistered white Volkswagen Golf. The suspicious nature of the vehicle, combined with the absence of proper documentation for the animals, raised red flags, prompting the police to act swiftly.
During interrogation, Isubu Adamu reportedly confessed to stealing the cows in collaboration with an accomplice identified as Datti, a resident of Lafiyari Fulani Settlement in Guri LGA. While Adamu and Maikudi were taken into custody, Datti remains at large, and the police have intensified efforts to locate him. One of the stolen cows was later claimed by Alhassan, a 35-year-old resident of Jalmari Village in Guri LGA, who provided evidence of ownership. The second cow’s ownership is still under investigation, as the police work to trace its origins and ensure it is returned to its rightful owner.
This operation highlights the importance of strategic patrols and checkpoints in curbing livestock theft. The Baturiya–Hadejia Road, like many rural routes in Jigawa State, serves as a conduit for both legitimate trade and illicit activities. Criminals often exploit the lack of surveillance on such roads to transport stolen livestock to markets in neighboring towns or even across state lines. By intercepting the suspects and recovering the stolen cows, the police have disrupted one such operation, but the escape of Datti suggests that more work is needed to dismantle the broader networks involved in cattle rustling.
Swift Response to Theft in Kaugama LGA
In another display of rapid response, the police acted on a report from Maijama’a Sule, a resident of Dawae Fulani Camp in Kaugama LGA, whose home was burgled by thieves who made off with two cows. The theft, which occurred under the cover of darkness, left Sule and his family in distress, as the loss of livestock threatened their economic stability. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, officers from the Auyo Division, in collaboration with local vigilantes known as Yanbulala, launched a coordinated operation to track down the culprits.
Their efforts led to the arrest of Umaru Audu, a resident of Kuhurdu Fulani Camp in Malam Madori LGA, who was caught along the Kafin-Hausa route in possession of the stolen cattle. The recovery of the cows was a significant relief for Sule, who expressed gratitude to the police and vigilantes for their swift action. The involvement of local vigilantes in this operation underscores the importance of community-police collaboration in addressing rural crime. In many parts of Jigawa State, vigilante groups play a critical role in providing local knowledge and support to law enforcement, particularly in areas where police resources are stretched thin.
The arrest of Audu and the recovery of the stolen cows demonstrate the effectiveness of combining traditional policing methods with community engagement. However, the incident also raises questions about the vulnerability of rural households to break-ins and theft. Many homes in areas like Dawae Fulani Camp lack adequate security measures, making them easy targets for criminals. Addressing this issue will require not only law enforcement action but also broader community initiatives to improve security infrastructure and awareness.
Cattle and Sheep Theft in Birniwa LGA
In yet another case, the police responded to a report of livestock theft involving Hassan Zkitu, a 40-year-old resident of Taura township. Zkitu was returning from Maido Fulani Settlement in Birniwa LGA when thieves ambushed him and made off with four cows and nine sheep. The loss of such a significant number of animals represented a devastating blow to Zkitu, who relies on livestock for his livelihood. Acting promptly, the police arrested 25-year-old Ali Alhaji Buji in connection with the crime and recovered two of the stolen cows.
While the recovery of the two cows was a positive outcome, the remaining animals—two cows and nine sheep—are still missing, and Buji’s accomplice remains at large. The police have vowed to continue their efforts to apprehend the second suspect and recover the remaining livestock. This case highlights the boldness of livestock thieves, who are willing to target victims in transit, often using violence or intimidation to carry out their crimes. It also underscores the economic impact of such thefts, as the loss of multiple animals can push families into financial hardship.
Arrest of Vandalism Suspect in Guri LGA
In addition to tackling livestock theft, the Jigawa State Police Command has also taken action against other forms of criminal activity, including vandalism. In a notable case, 23-year-old Amadu Muhammad of Karidu Village in Guri LGA was arrested for allegedly possessing vandalized high-tension electric cables. The cables, concealed in two fertilizer bags, were seized at Margadu Village in Guri LGA as Muhammad attempted to transport them to Nguru LGA in neighboring Yobe State.
The operation began when police received intelligence about suspicious activity in the area. Upon intercepting Muhammad, they discovered the stolen cables, which are critical to the region’s power infrastructure. Muhammad’s accomplice, identified as Hassan Amadu of Kasaga Village, fled the scene upon spotting the police, but efforts are underway to apprehend him. The vandalism of high-tension cables is a serious crime that disrupts electricity supply, affects businesses, and undermines public safety. By apprehending Muhammad and seizing the stolen cables, the police have taken a significant step toward addressing this issue.
Broader Implications and Police Commitment
The series of arrests and recoveries reported by the Jigawa State Police Command reflects a broader strategy to combat crime in rural areas, where livestock theft and vandalism have become persistent challenges. SP Lawan Shiisu Adam emphasized that investigations into all the reported cases are ongoing, and the command is intensifying its efforts to curb criminal activity across the state. This includes increasing patrols, strengthening intelligence networks, and fostering collaboration with local communities and vigilante groups.
Livestock theft, in particular, is a deeply rooted issue in Jigawa State, where agriculture and animal husbandry form the backbone of the economy. The theft of cattle, sheep, and other livestock not only affects individual farmers but also disrupts local markets and food security. The economic losses incurred by victims like Alhaji Adamu Hussaini, Maijama’a Sule, and Hassan Zkitu highlight the urgent need for sustained action to address this problem.
Moreover, the vandalism of critical infrastructure, such as high-tension cables, poses a significant threat to the state’s development. Power outages caused by such acts can hinder economic activity, disrupt essential services, and erode public trust in governance. The arrest of Amadu Muhammad sends a clear message that the police are committed to tackling all forms of crime, not just those related to livestock.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite the successes recorded by the Jigawa State Police Command, several challenges remain. The escape of accomplices in multiple cases—Haruna Birau, Datti, and Hassan Amadu—suggests that criminal networks are resilient and adaptable. Tracking down these fugitives will require sustained effort and resources, as well as cooperation from communities that may be hesitant to share information due to fear of reprisals.
Additionally, the reliance on unregistered vehicles, such as the white Volkswagen Golf used by Isubu Adamu and Danladi Maikudi, highlights the need for stricter regulation of vehicle registration and transportation in rural areas. Criminals often exploit the lack of oversight on rural roads to move stolen goods, making it essential for the police to enhance their presence and surveillance in these areas.
Community engagement will also be critical in addressing the root causes of livestock theft and vandalism. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of security infrastructure in rural areas create fertile ground for criminal activity. By working with local leaders, vigilante groups, and residents, the police can build trust and encourage communities to take an active role in preventing crime.
Conclusion
The recent operations by the Jigawa State Police Command demonstrate a proactive and determined approach to tackling livestock theft, vandalism, and other crimes that threaten the security and economic stability of rural communities. The arrests of suspects like Usman Yusuf, Isubu Adamu, Danladi Maikudi, Umaru Audu, Ali Alhaji Buji, and Amadu Muhammad, along with the recovery of stolen livestock and vandalized infrastructure, are commendable achievements. However, the escape of several accomplices and the persistence of these crimes underscore the need for continued vigilance, resource allocation, and community cooperation.
SP Lawan Shiisu Adam’s assurances of ongoing investigations and intensified efforts reflect the police’s commitment to protecting the people of Jigawa State. As the command continues to build on these successes, it is hoped that their actions will deter future criminal activity and restore confidence among residents. For now, the people of Jigawa State can take solace in the fact that their police force is actively working to safeguard their livelihoods and communities from the scourge of crime.
