The Niger State Police Command has recovered 67 livestock allegedly rustled by bandits in the state.

Confirming the development, the command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the recovered animals comprised 43 cows and 24 sheep.

According to him, on May 14, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., a joint security team responding to a distress call over banditry and cattle rustling along the Mangoro-Idu village axis in Munya Local Council engaged the suspected hoodlums in a gun battle.

Abiodun said the suspects abandoned the rustled livestock during the exchange of fire and fled the scene.

He added that the recovered animals were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners in collaboration with the local government authorities.