Police arrest 21-year-old Nigerien with stolen cows in Jigawa By Salisu Kabuga The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old suspect from Niger Republic for attempting to transport eight stolen cows in a cross-border rustling operation. PUNCH Online gathered that last month, the command carried out a similar crackdown, apprehending a 25-year-old suspected cattle rustler from a neighbouring border town who was smuggling six stolen cows through a remote trail in Birnin Kudu LGA. The operation disrupted a budding syndicate and recovered the livestock. The recent arrest was confirmed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday in Dutse, the state capital. The PPRO stated, ”Operatives attached to Maigatari Division struck at about 10:30 a.m. on November 29, 2025, intercepting Muhammad Abdullahi, a 21-year-old from Maidaga village in Dungas District, Niger Republic.” Adam said the suspect was caught at Matoya village in Maigatari Local Government Area while attempting to move the livestock, which locals believe were stolen. “Acting on tips from vigilant community members, police swooped in swiftly, recovering the eight cows now held in custody for identification and return to their owners,” he added. He praised the quick response of the police, noting, “This success shows the power of community-police partnership in tackling rustling that threatens our herders’ livelihoods.” Investigations are ongoing, with police working to apprehend the suspect’s accomplices and ensure full justice. In the same statement, Adam highlighted another arrest, “On the same day at 12:30 p.m., Taura Division officers apprehended 27-year-old Adamu Yahaya from Kwalam town for vandalism. “Yahaya was nabbed at a hideout in Kwalam, Taura LGA, following solid intelligence about suspicious activity targeting public infrastructure. “Police found him with three sacks of electric wires he had ripped from government power lines, sabotaging the area’s electricity supply. Preliminary probes reveal he conspired with others to vandalise state property, endangering community services. “The recovered wires are secured as evidence, and further investigation aims to identify Yahaya’s collaborators for prosecution.” The state Commissioner of Police commended the officers’ professionalism and the public’s cooperation in both arrests. Adam reiterated the command’s resolve, saying, “Jigawa Police remains committed to crushing all crimes, from rustling to vandalism, for lasting peace.” He also urged residents to continue providing timely intelligence, assuring that the command is maintaining round-the-clock security across the state.