The Niger State Police Command has recovered 42 stolen sheep and arrested four suspects involved in the livestock theft. The suspects, identified as Abubakar Musa, Muhammed Ibeto, Bello Saidu, and Abubakar Alhaji, were intercepted on February 24, 2026, at about 6pm, following credible intelligence.

According to Police Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were spotted in the Raba Forest area near Mokwa with the stolen animals. The police swung into action, trailing them along the Jebba-Mokwa Road, and arrested four members of the syndicate, while others fled.

The suspects confessed to rustling the sheep from Salihu Village near Mokwa and implicated other gang members who are currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The recovered sheep have been identified and claimed by their rightful owner.

Livestock rustling remains a significant security challenge in Niger State, with previous incidents reported in 2025, including the recovery of 50 rustled sheep.