The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a cattle-rustling incident in Ado-Awaye, Iseyin Local Government Area of the state, following a swift response to a distress call from residents.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan, noting that the operation led to the recovery of stolen cattle and the rescue of two herders who were tied up by the suspects.
According to the statement, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, 2026, at about 2 am, when one Muhammad Ibrahim of the Igbojaye area reported to the police that armed men had invaded a cattle camp belonging to one Yahaya at Iserin area via Ado-Awaye and made away with several cows.
Ayanlade said the Divisional Police Officer in Ado-Awaye immediately mobilised a joint team of police operatives and local vigilantes to the scene, leading to the interception of the suspects while attempting to escape with the animals.
“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. On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush,” he said.
He added that the team found two cattle herders, identified as Ibrahim Musa and Ibrahim Umaru, tied together at the camp before they were rescued by the security team.
The police spokesman stated that an intensive manhunt led to the arrest of the driver of the vehicle, Sekooni Wale, 30, and the motor boy, Jimoh Toheeb, 25, shortly after the incident.
He said further investigation extended to Maya Town in the Lanlate area, where the alleged principal suspect, Moshood Abdullahi, 38, described as a notorious cattle rustler from Badagry, was apprehended alongside another accomplice, Macho Sindi, 29.
Ayanlade said the suspects confessed to their involvement during interrogation, adding that the operation highlights the importance of collaboration between the police and local security groups in tackling rural crime.
“The successful recovery of the rustled cattle and arrest of the suspects underscores the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts in protecting lives and property in rural communities,” the statement added.
The command assured residents of its continued commitment to curbing criminal activities across the state.
Police arrest four suspects, rescue herders in Oyo cattle rustling
