The Kaduna State Government on Monday said it had returned 286 stolen herds of cattle recovered from rustlers, to their owners, while the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Alhaji Salihu Fagge, said that the command had arrested 13 cattle rustlers and recovered 320 cattle.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, to Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

NAN reports that more than 7,000 cattle were recovered by the joint operation of the military, police and other operatives on Sept. 10, from the rustlers in Birnin Gwari and others areas in the state.

According to the statement, the committee also returned 46 sheep to their rightful owners after verifying their claims of ownership.

The governor's aide said that military operation against cattle rustlers operating in Kamuku and Kuyanbana forests that cut across Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states was still ongoing.

“The operations will continue until all the criminals are cleared from the area.”

In Sokoto, Fagge told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that the cattle and suspects were arrested in Tureta, Sabon-Birni and Isa local government areas of the state.

He expressed regret that cattle theft had become rampant in the state and said that the command had put measures in place to end the menace.

“We have set up a special squad and issued an effective operation order to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the syndicates committing these crimes.”

He called for more support from traditional and religious leaders, and particularly advised them to offer intelligence reports to the security agencies to ease their operations.

“It is when we receive such information that we shall deploy our men and facilities toward apprehending suspects and ridding the society of hoodlums.”

He urged officers and men of the command to continue to put in their best, and promised to reward hard work, while sanctioning indolence. (NAN)

•Photo shows Herd of Cattles

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