The Borno State Police command, has nabbed five suspects for alledgedly selling a dead cow meat to the public, in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), the state capital.

The command said the suspects were engaged in the sale of meat from a dead cattle within the Maiduguri metropolis.

Spokesman of the command, ASP Nahum Daso on Tuesday disclosed: “The command in its sustained efforts to safeguard public health, ensure consumer safety, and prevent activities capable of endangering residents, has arrested five suspects in connection with the alleged processing and sale of meat from dead cattle in Maiduguri.”

Daso further revealed; “On 29th July, 2026, at about 0800hrs, operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) acting on credible intelligen,ce, apprehended five suspects at the Old Maiduguri cattle market,” stating that the suspects included Modu Umar, 43, Anna Mohammed, 24, Adam Abubakar, 31, Farouq Gambo,18, and Mada Usman,24.

Besides the arrest, he added: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to obtain cattle found dead, butchered the carcasses and supply the meat to roadside meat vendors for onward sale to members of the public”.

He said at the time of arrest, the suspects were allegedly found in possession of the carcass of a dead cow, which they were reportedly attempting to transport to the Morumti area of Maiduguri for further processing and distribution to customers.

“The suspects are currently in police custody while discreet investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the activity, trace the intended distribution network, and identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected with the alleged practice,” he added.

Daso explained that upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.

The Commissioner of Police, Borno State command, Naziru Abdulmajid, has condemned the practice which is capable of endangering public health and assured residents that the Command will continue to work closely with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to prevent the sale and consumption of unwholesome meat within the State.

As part of preventive measures, the Commissioner will convene a community engagement with abattoir operators, butchers’ associations, livestock dealers, meat vendors, relevant regulatory authorities and other critical stakeholders to strengthen monitoring, promote compliance with public health and food safety standards, and develop measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.

The command , therefore called on members of the public, particularly meat vendors and consumers, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities relating to the slaughter, processing, transportation or sale of meat to the nearest police station or appropriate regulatory authority.