Kaduna Police Recover 39 Stolen Cows After Gun Battle With Suspected Rustlers in Igabi.

Kaduna Police Recover 39 Stolen Cows After Gun Battle With Suspected Rustlers in Igabi.

The Kaduna State Police Command has recovered 39 stolen cows after security operatives repelled an attack by suspected cattle rustlers in Illa Village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, 2026, when armed suspects invaded the community and rustled cattle belonging to three Fulani herders.

According to the police, a 25 year old man identified as Abubakar was also shot in both legs during the attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division received a distress call at approximately 5:00 a.m. from a resident, identified as Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, reporting the incident.

Hassan explained that the attack had taken place around 4:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from security operatives.

A combined team of police officers, local vigilantes under the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and community members subsequently mobilized to pursue the suspects into the surrounding bush.

The security team reportedly engaged the fleeing attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon all 39 stolen cows and escape into the bush with suspected gunshot injuries. Police authorities also disclosed that eight rounds of ammunition were expended during the confrontation.

Meanwhile, the injured victim was taken to Shika Teaching Hospital for medical attention and was reportedly responding to treatment at the time of the police announcement.

The recovered cattle have since been returned to their rightful owners.

Commending the joint security operation, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, praised the officers, vigilantes and residents for their swift response and cooperation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening security operations and tackling cattle rustling and other criminal activities across the state.

The incident highlights the continuing security challenges confronting rural communities in Kaduna State, where cattle rustling, armed attacks and kidnapping have threatened livelihoods and agricultural activities.

Beyond the immediate recovery of stolen livestock, sustained intelligence gathering, effective policing and cooperation between security agencies and local communities remain essential to addressing rural insecurity.

Although the recovery represents a significant intervention for the affected livestock owners, the apprehension of the fleeing suspects remains important to ensuring accountability and preventing further attacks.