Police Foil Cattle Rustling Attempt, Recover Six Cows in Bauchi

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation and recovered six cows in the Bakal area of Bauchi metropolis following a swift response to intelligence provided by residents.

The operation, carried out on June 23, 2026 was launched after police received credible information that unidentified suspects were moving six cattle toward a riverbank in the Bakal area through the Goskaram axis.

According to the Police Command, the information was relayed through the 'A' Divisional Police Headquarters in Township, Bauchi, at about 12:30 p.m.

Acting on the intelligence, a team of police operatives, working alongside members of a local vigilante group and led by the Divisional Police Officer of 'A' Division, immediately mobilised to the area.

The security team pursued the suspected rustlers and successfully intercepted the operation before the animals could be taken away.

Police said the suspects abandoned the cattle and fled the scene as operatives closed in on them.

The six recovered cows have since been taken into police custody pending efforts to identify and locate their rightful owners.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted theft and determine the ownership of the livestock.

The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed a discreet investigation into the incident and ordered operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.

He also commended the officers involved in the operation for their prompt response and professionalism, while praising the collaboration between the police, local vigilantes and community members, describing timely intelligence sharing as critical to combating crimes such as cattle rustling and banditry.

Aliyu urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.

The Command reiterated its commitment to tackling criminal activities, including cattle rustling, which remains a major concern in several parts of northern Nigeria.

Police authorities assured residents that operations to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing and expressed confidence that arrests would be made.

The Command also reaffirmed its determination to strengthen security measures and maintain a safe environment for communities throughout Bauchi State.