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The Borno State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the alleged processing and sale of meat from dead cattle within Maiduguri, the state capital.
The command disclosed this in a Monday statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Nahum Daso.
The suspects were identified as Modu Umar, 43 years; Abba Mohammed, 24 years; Adam Abubakar, 21 years; Faruq Gambo, 19 years; and Mada Usman, 24 years.
According to the statement, operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (Crack Squad) acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the five suspects at the Old Maiduguri Cattle Market at about 8:00am on July 29.
The statement reads, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to obtain cattle found dead, butchered the carcasses and supply the meat to roadside meat vendors for onward sale to members of the public.
“At the time of arrest, the suspects were allegedly found in possession of the carcass of a dead cow, which they were reportedly attempting to transport to the Morumti area of Maiduguri for further processing and distribution.
“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, and identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected with the alleged practice.
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“Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.”
The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, condemned the practice which he said was capable of endangering public health.
He assured residents that the command would continue to work closely with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to prevent the sale and consumption of unwholesome meat within the state.
As part of preventive measures, the CP vowed to convene a community engagement with abattoir operators, butchers’ associations, livestock dealers, meat vendors, relevant regulatory authorities and other critical stakeholders to strengthen monitoring, promote compliance with public health and food safety standards, and develop measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The command further called on members of the public, particularly meat vendors and consumers, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities relating to the slaughter, processing, transportation or sale of meat to the nearest police station or appropriate regulatory authority.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding public health and working collaboratively with communities and relevant agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents.
