The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat rural criminality and protect lives and property, with the successful recovery of rustled cattle and the arrest of four suspected cattle rustlers following a swift response to a distress report from Ado-Awaye Division.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 13th March 2026, at about 2:00 a.m., when a report was received from one Muhammad Ibrahim of Igbojaye area, who informed the Police that armed hoodlums had invaded the camp of one Yahaya, located at Iserin area via Ado-Awaye, and made away with his cows.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ado-Awaye Division, immediately mobilized a combined team of Police operatives and local security partners, including vigilantes, to the scene. The coordinated response led to the timely interception of the suspects and ultimately the successful recovery of the rustled cattle. This operation underscores the critical role of collaborative security efforts between the Police and community stakeholders in protecting lives and property in rural communities.
On arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the suspects had already loaded two cows into a white Mazda bus with registration number KMA 178 ZY and were in the process of loading three other cows when the Police patrol team closed in on them. Sighting the approaching operatives, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle loaded with the stolen cows and fled into the bush. At the scene, the joint team found two cattle herders, namely Ibrahim Musa and Ibrahim Umaru, who had been tied together by the fleeing suspects.
The Police and vigilante team immediately commenced intensive bush combing and a coordinated manhunt for the fleeing criminals. This led to the arrest of Sekooni Wale, aged 30, the driver of the Mazda bus, and Jimoh Toheeb, aged 25, the motor boy.
Further investigation was subsequently extended to Maya Town in the Lanlate area, where the principal suspect, Moshood Abdullahi, aged 38, was apprehended. The suspect, who reportedly came from Badagry, was also identified as a notorious cattle rustler. His arrest further led to the apprehension of another accomplice, Macho Sindi, aged 29 yrs.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime. Consequently, the vehicle used for the operation as well as the rustled cattle were successfully recovered.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna PSC (+), appreciates the gallantry and swift response of the operatives and local security partners, whose timely intervention frustrated the criminal act and ensured the recovery of the stolen livestock. He also expresses his profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu PSC (+), NPM, for his continuous support, guidance, and commitment to strengthening security and community policing across the Nation. The CP lauds the spirit of partnership between the Police and community stakeholders, which remains pivotal in maintaining law and order across the State.
The Command further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, as community collaboration remains vital in the fight against crime.
