In a bold move against cattle rustling, the Taraba State Government has officially handed over a large number of recovered livestock to their rightful owner in Jalingo.
The recovered animals include 65 cows, 73 sheep, 11 goats, and three donkeys, which were intercepted from suspected rustlers by the men and officers of the 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Jalingo.
The livestock were seized on July 1, 2025, at Mile Six in Jalingo while being transported to Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
Following this, the Taraba State Government promptly constituted a committee on July 2, 2025, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the intercepted animals and to verify rightful ownership.
After thorough due diligence and investigations, the committee confirmed that the animals belong to Alhaji Abubakar Audu from Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Consequently, on Wednesday, the committee formally handed over the livestock to Mr. Audu.
At the handover ceremony, Alhaji Hassan Aminu Jauro, Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Taraba, alongside Mr. Constantine Joel, Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs Services, disclosed that a total of 138 cattle were initially intercepted.
They noted that some animals are still missing and are believed to be in possession of a suspect who remains at large.
Both officials emphasized that the committee remains open to receiving claims from anyone who has lost cattle to rustling, provided they can present valid proof of ownership.
The Taraba State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Yau Ibrahim Barewa, along with the MACBAN Secretary in Toungo Local Government and the owner of the livestock, Alhaji Abubakar Audu, expressed their sincere gratitude to the Taraba State Government and the security agencies.
They praised the efforts of the Nigerian Army and the state government for the successful interception and return of the animals.
This handover marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against cattle rustling in Taraba State. The government’s proactive approach and collaboration with security agencies demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting the livelihoods of pastoralists and farmers in the region.
With the current momentum, stakeholders remain optimistic that more successes will follow, further curbing the menace of cattle rustling and enhancing security across the state.
For further information or to report rustled livestock, the committee encourages affected persons to come forward with appropriate documentation.
