Security operatives in Niger State have successfully recovered a herd of stolen livestock and apprehended two suspects believed to be linked to a cattle-rustling syndicate operating in the area.

According to authorities, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence that led officers to the location where the animals were being moved. The recovered livestock reported to number several dozen were traced back to owners in nearby communities who had earlier filed reports of theft.

Officials say the two suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently undergoing interrogation to determine the scale of their involvement and whether they belong to a wider network of rustlers known to operate across parts of North-Central Nigeria.

Cattle rustling has remained a persistent threat to rural livelihoods in Niger State and neighbouring regions, often fuelling clashes and worsening insecurity. Security agencies have recently intensified surveillance and patrol operations along major livestock routes to curb the trend.

In previous coordinated efforts, police operatives also recovered dozens of rustled cattle along the Jebba–Mokwa corridor and arrested multiple suspects, underscoring what authorities describe as a sustained crackdown on rustling rings.

The recovered animals are expected to be returned to their rightful owners after verification, while the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of investigations.

Authorities have urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements of livestock as part of broader community-security collaboration efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the state. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.