Benue: Troops arrest three suspected cattle rustlers, recover stolen cows in Agatu

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers and recovered stolen livestock during an intelligence-driven operation in Benue State.

The arrest was carried out by troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion IX while on routine patrol around Obagaji in Agatu Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Headquarters, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the operation followed credible intelligence on cattle rustling activities around the Omikwidi area.

Acting on the information, the troops moved towards the Ologba–Egba road where they laid an ambush.

“During the operation, troops intercepted a Sienna bus carrying three adult cows suspected of being rustled.

Three suspects were immediately arrested.

“The suspects were identified as Mamuda Hussein, 28, a native of Adagbo community; Sunday Moses, 35, from Obagaji village; and Teny Musa, 22, also from Obagaji.”

“The cattle were being transported using a vehicle bearing a fake Kogi State Government registration number plate, Kogi 2LMA 35 LG. The suspected gang leader, Mamuda Hussein, reportedly confessed that he had been invited to purchase the rustled cattle by two individuals identified as Dahiru and Small.

“The suspects are under custody for further investigation and necessary action.”