Troops intercept rustled cattle, arrest three in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Golden Peace, have intercepted rustled livestock and arrested three suspected cattle rustlers in Taraba State.

In a statement made available to journalists yesterday in the state by the Acting Spokesperson of the Brigade, Captain Oni Olubodunde, the arrest, according to the troops, was made possible via an intelligence report.

“Acting on intelligence, the soldiers apprehended the suspects—Sabiu Lawal, Haruna Ayuba, and Yusuf Mukawo, all from Kampanin Zurak, Plateau State—on January 27, 2025, at Namnai village in Gassol Local Government Area.

“The suspects were caught in possession of 174 cows and 57 sheep, allegedly stolen from border villages between Plateau and Taraba States,” the statement read.

Preliminary investigations, as announced by the Brigade, indicate that the rustled animals were being transported to Cameroon via Karamati in Gashaka Local Government Area.

Authorities, at the time of filing this report, are said to be working with local community leaders to confirm the rightful owners and facilitate the return of the livestock.

The Brigade further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region and urged citizens to provide credible information to aid in the fight against crime.