The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested nine suspects for alleged cattle rustling and vandalism across Jigawa State.
Parading the suspects at the NSCDC Command headquarters in Dutse on Thursday, the State Commandant, Bawa Boddinga, said the arrests followed recent security operations targeting criminal activities in the state.
Boddinga identified two of the suspects as Adamu Hassan, 40, from Kantamari village in Kaugama LGA, and Hassan Adamu, 31, from Malam-Madori LGA, both linked to cattle rustling.
He also disclosed that seven other suspects, aged between 14 and 35, were apprehended for allegedly vandalising critical infrastructure in Danmanomi village, Gumel LGA.
Recovered from the suspects were stolen livestock—including six goats, four sheep, and a calf—as well as a motorcycle, a bus, farming tools, bows, and arrows.
Boddinga reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to eradicating crime in Jigawa, vowing to crack down on cattle rustlers, drug peddlers, and other criminals threatening peace in the state.
“We will make Jigawa a zero-crime state. Our divisional inspectors and area commanders have been directed to intensify surveillance and operations in all nooks and crannies,” he said.
He confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each suspect, after which they will be prosecuted.
“The NSCDC is also probing possible links between these suspects and larger criminal networks operating in the state,” Boddinga added.
(Punch)