Niger State Police Apprehend Three Suspected Livestock Thieves and Recover Stolen Goat
The Niger State Police Command has successfully arrested three individuals suspected of involvement in livestock theft, with one stolen goat recovered during the operation. This development was officially disclosed by the command's spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Details of the Arrest and Syndicate Operations
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the suspects are believed to be members of a criminal syndicate that has been actively stealing domestic animals, including goats, rams, and sheep, across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa State, and Niger State. The arrest followed a tip-off received by police operatives attached to the Maje Division.
On March 16, 2026, at approximately 11:45 AM, the police intercepted a red Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number BWR 350 CL in the Tungan-Shanu area of Maje. The vehicle was being driven by Mohammed Ali, a 37-year-old resident of Maraba Market, accompanied by two other individuals: Shuaibu Ibrahim, 37, from Ado Maraba, and Ilyasu Rabiu from Nasarawa.
During the interception, a suspected stolen goat was found in their possession. Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to having stolen the goat from the Tungan-Shanu area. Their confession further revealed that the syndicate has been specializing in the theft of domestic animals, targeting areas within FCT, Nasarawa, and Niger State.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The suspects have been charged to court for prosecution, as confirmed by the police statement. This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat livestock theft, a crime that can significantly impact local farmers and communities reliant on agriculture.
Livestock theft remains a concern in various regions, and such operations demonstrate the police's commitment to addressing security challenges and protecting citizens' property. The recovery of the stolen goat serves as a tangible outcome of community cooperation through tip-offs and proactive policing.
