The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspected cattle rustlers and recovered three stolen bulls valued at approximately ₦1.73 million during an intelligence-led operation in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Umaru Adamu, 40, also known as Balawo, and Haruna Usman, 30, popularly called Dotti, are both residents of Dawo Village in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Arrest
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended on July 19, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m. after officers attached to the Alkaleri Police Division acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected stolen livestock.
During the operation, officers recovered three bulls believed to have been stolen from their rightful owners.
The successful operation forms part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle cattle rustling, a crime that has continued to threaten farmers and livestock owners in parts of Bauchi and neighbouring states.
Police Link Suspects to Wider Cattle Rustling Network
Initial investigations revealed that the recovered cattle were allegedly obtained from two other suspects who are currently on the run.
Police believe the fleeing suspects are members of a cattle rustling syndicate that has been terrorising communities along the Bauchi-Gombe border corridor.
Investigators say efforts are underway to identify, locate and arrest the remaining members of the suspected criminal network.
Commissioner Orders Manhunt for Fleeing Accomplices
Following the arrests, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed investigators to intensify the manhunt for the fleeing suspects to dismantle the entire criminal operation.
The two arrested suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the three recovered bulls have been secured by the police as exhibits pending the conclusion of the investigation and possible return to their rightful owners.
Police Urge Residents to Share Timely Information
The Bauchi State Police Command has appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent cattle rustling and other criminal activities.
The command stressed that cooperation between the public and law enforcement remains crucial in improving security across rural communities and protecting the livelihoods of farmers and herders.
