Police arrest 19 bandits, recover livestock in Kwara

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Kwara State have arrested 19 suspected bandits and cattle rustlers during a bush-clearing operation around Ekati village in Lade.

Police sources said the operation, conducted with support from Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria vigilante members, resulted in the arrest of 10 identified suspects, including Mohammed Salihu, Mohammadu Musa, Abubakar Sani, also known as Siddi, Yusuf Isah, known as Lariya, and Mohammadu Ibrahim, alias Iro. Others arrested were Mohammadu Sani, popularly called Kachalla Ruga, Musa Ado (Mandu), Abubakar Adamu (Buba), Mohammadu Zangina and Abubakar Shaibu (Jijji).

Most of the suspects were said to be from Zamfara State, while one reportedly hailed from the Niger Republic and another from Katsina State.

During the operation, police recovered 370 cows and 58 goats believed to have been rustled, which were taken as exhibits.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to track other suspects and determine the ownership of the recovered livestock.