Ekiti police intercept suspected cattle rustlers, recover over 500 cows and 61 sheep
By: Zagazola Makama
Officers of the Ekiti State Police Command have arrested suspected cattle rustlers and recovered hundreds of stolen animals in separate operations across Ikole and Isan Ekiti Local Government Areas.
Sources said that in the first incident, at about 9:10 a.m., police at Ikole Ekiti Division intercepted and arrested Ibrahim Abubarka, 37, along Isaba Ekiti road with 255 cows in his possession. In a separate operation at the same time, Supol Isan Ekiti Division apprehended 16 suspected bandits along Ilafo Ekiti, recovering 303 cows, 61 sheep, cash totaling ₦311,000, charms, hard drugs, multiple phones, and identity cards of the Kwara State Vigilante Corps.
A Rapid Response Squad (RRS) team, along with other non-state actors, were deployed to secure the recovered animals. All suspects and seized items were handed over to the RRS for discreet investigation.
Following the arrests, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State ordered the deployment of 20 personnel from the 33 PMF unit to reinforce security in the affected areas, aiming to prevent further rustling and ensure the safety of local communities.
