The Gombe State Police Command has recovered 85 stolen animals, including 28 sheep and 57 goats, from suspected thieves intercepted by local hunters along the Tulmi village cattle route.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the recovery in a statement on Friday, revealing that the suspects failed to provide a valid explanation for possessing the animals.

“Following a tip-off from the village head of Tulmi, we questioned the suspects, who could not account for the animals, raising suspicion that they were stolen,” Abdullahi stated.

Two suspects, Abdulkadir Tukur and Ibrahim Saidu, reportedly confessed to the crime during investigations. So far, four owners have identified and reclaimed 25 goats.

Commending the local hunters for their vigilance, Abdullahi assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects involved.

He urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement in the fight against crime, adding that the recovered animals would be returned to their rightful owners.