Oyo Police foil cattle rustling, arrest four suspects in Iserin Area

Cityscope, Crime Diary

IBADAN, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 16, 2026 — The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a cattle rustling attempt in the Iserin area via Ado-Awaye, recovering stolen cows and arresting four suspects.

According to a statement by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, 2026, at about 2:00 a.m. Armed hoodlums invaded a camp in the area, tied up two herders — Ibrahim Musa and Ibrahim Umaru — and attempted to steal their cattle.

Police, working with local vigilantes, intercepted the criminals as they loaded two cows into a white Mazda bus (registration number KMA 178 ZY). On sighting security agents, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush. Intensive bush combing led to the arrest of Sekooni Wale (30), the driver, and Jimoh Toheeb (25), the motor boy.

Further investigation extended to Maya Town in Lanlate, where the principal suspect, Moshood Abdullahi (38), identified as a notorious cattle rustler from Badagry, was apprehended. His arrest led to the capture of another accomplice, Macho Sindi (29). During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, and both the stolen cattle and the vehicle were recovered.

The police command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies, stressing that community collaboration is vital in combating crime.