The Gombe State Police Command has disrupted a suspected cattle theft gang and arrested four people in connection with the crime.
During a press briefing, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the Police Public Relations Officer, described the operation that resulted in the arrest.
According to Abdullahi, the suspects were captured during a combined patrol conducted by the Billiri Division on January 10 at around 2:45 a.m.
He identified the arrested suspects as Mohammed Garba, 55, of Pantami Quarters, Gombe; Idi Salisu, 27; Umar Babale, 39, both of Lafiya-Lamurde Local Government Area in Adamawa State; and Umar Jalo, 25, of Kumo village in Akko Local Government Area.
The police apprehended the suspects as they were transporting a stolen cow in a Hummer bus bearing the registration number LND 864 XA.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects were following the orders of one Alhaji Halilu, alias S.Y. Lafiya, who reportedly coordinated the theft.
They were charged with recovering stolen animals from Kembu village, Akko Local Government Area, and Filiya.
According to DSP Abdullahi, Umar Jalo was caught in possession of a stolen cow during the investigation.
Jalo reportedly admitted to stealing the goat from Garin Majidadi village near Kumo, along with an accomplice known only as Dogo. The cow has now been restored to its rightful owner, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmadu.
Efforts are continue to apprehend the mastermind, Dogo, who is still at large. Meanwhile, authorities have increased communication among divisions, including Akko and Pero-Chonge authorities Stations, in an effort to destroy the famed livestock theft network.
Authorities have vowed to charge the suspects once the inquiry is completed, while also issuing a strong warning against livestock theft in the state.
