Police Arrest Five Over Alleged Sale of Meat From Dead Cattle in Borno
Borno State Police Command has arrested five suspects for allegedly processing and selling meat from dead cattle to unsuspecting members of the public in Maiduguri.
The suspects were apprehended on July 29 by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), also known as the Crack Squad, following credible intelligence on the alleged illegal activity at the Old Maiduguri Cattle Market.
Police identified the suspects as Modu Umar, 43; Abba Mohammed, 24; Adam Abubakar, 21; Faruq Gambo, 19; and Mada Usman, 24.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly sourced cattle that had died, butchered the carcasses and supplied the meat to roadside vendors for resale to unsuspecting consumers.
The command said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly transporting the carcass of a dead cow to the Morumti area of Maiduguri, where it was reportedly meant for further processing and distribution.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scope of the operation.
“The suspects are currently in police custody while discreet investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the activity, trace the intended distribution network, identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected with the alleged practice,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, condemned the alleged sale of meat from dead animals, describing it as a serious threat to public health.
He assured residents that the command would continue collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to curb the sale of unwholesome meat and safeguard public health across the state.
