Kaduna State police have recovered 39 stolen cows and repelled an attack by suspected cattle rustlers in Illa Village, Igabi Local Government Area, following a gun battle with the assailants. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, 2026, when armed men invaded the community and rustled cattle belonging to three Fulani herders.
During the raid, the attackers shot a 25-year-old resident named Abubakar in both legs. According to a statement issued on Sunday by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan, the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division received a distress call at approximately 5:00 a.m. from Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, a local resident, reporting the ongoing attack which had begun around 4:00 a.m.
Upon receiving the report, a combined team of police operatives led by the Officer Commanding Amana Outpost, local vigilantes from the Civil JTF, and villagers swiftly mobilized. The group pursued the suspects into the bush and engaged them in a gun duel, resulting in the rustlers abandoning the stolen livestock and fleeing with suspected gunshot injuries.
“Consequently, the rustlers abandoned the 39 stolen cows and escaped into the bush with gunshot injuries,” Hassan stated in the official police report.
The police spokesman disclosed that eight rounds of ammunition were expended during the confrontation. The injured victim was rushed to Shika Teaching Hospital, where he is currently responding to treatment, while the recovered cattle have been handed over to their rightful owners.
Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State, CP Muhammad Rabiu, commended the security operatives and community members for their swift intervention and effective collaboration. He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against cattle rustling and other criminal activities across the state, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in tackling rural insecurity.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
