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By Christopher Oji
A recent incident at a rural livestock market in Kwara State has again reinforced the long-held belief among herders that cows can recognise their owners, even after being separated for a long time. The incident also led to the arrest of a suspected bandit by operatives of the Special Task Force set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to combat violent crimes in Kwara State.
For years, herders across northern Nigeria have insisted that cows know their owners. To them, it is not a theory but a reality shaped by years of daily contact, grazing journeys, feeding routines and constant interaction.
Outside such communities, however, the belief is often questioned or dismissed as an exaggeration. But what happened at Ajase-Ipo market in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State appears to have provided practical proof.
The incident occurred recently when what began as an ordinary market day suddenly took an unexpected turn.
On that day, traders arrived early with livestock, tying them in rows and preparing for buyers. Business activities went on normally as buyers moved from one section to another inspecting animals, negotiating prices and making purchases. There was no indication that anything unusual would happen.
Among those who came to the market was a man later identified as Mohammed Jabi, also known as Mohammed Ali. He was not known as a regular trader in the market. He arrived with five cows and quietly tied them among other livestock as though he had come for a legitimate transaction.
Mohammed Jabi, 30, is from Buju village in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State but resides in Waji village, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. Security sources said he is a member of a bandit group led by a commander identified as Bachujo.
Investigations revealed that the commander allegedly controls a large network of armed men, reportedly numbering about 200, operating across forest areas in Kwara, Niger and Kogi states. The group has been linked to cattle rustling, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the affected communities.
In recent weeks, joint security operations involving the police and military have intensified across the forests, putting pressure on criminal groups and restricting their movement as well as access to food and supplies. As a result, many of them reportedly resorted to desperate survival measures.
It was under these circumstances that Mohammed Jabi was allegedly sent to Ajase-Ipo market. Findings by security operatives showed that the cows he brought to the market had earlier been stolen by the gang. His assignment was to sell the animals and return with foodstuffs for members of the group hiding in the forests.
He entered the market quietly, tied the cows and began behaving like an ordinary livestock seller. Nothing immediately appeared suspicious because Ajase-Ipo market is usually busy, with traders and buyers constantly moving in and out.
At the same time, a group of Fulani herders also arrived at the market for a different purpose. They had been searching for cattle stolen from them days earlier and had moved from one market to another in search of the missing animals.
Their search eventually brought them to Ajase-Ipo market. Like other visitors, they entered quietly and began observing the livestock on display without drawing attention to themselves.
As they approached the section where Mohammed Jabi had tied the five cows, something unexpected happened.
Before the herders could say anything, the cows reacted.
The animals suddenly became restless and turned towards the approaching herders. They began pulling against the ropes restraining them and moved forcefully in the direction of the men. Their behaviour immediately changed from calm to agitation.
The strange reaction attracted the attention of traders and buyers nearby. It was not the normal behaviour of cattle displayed for sale.
The herders had not yet identified the cows or made any claim, yet the animals appeared to have recognised them first.
As the herders moved closer, the cows became more excited, making low sounds and struggling to move toward them. It became obvious that the animals were responding to familiar faces.
The herders then identified the cows as theirs, pointing out distinct features such as body markings, horn shapes and other physical characteristics matching the animals they had lost.
The cows’ behaviour further strengthened their claim. Each time the herders moved, the animals responded. The connection between them was visible and difficult to deny.
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Attention quickly shifted to Mohammed Jabi.
When questioned, he allegedly failed to give a satisfactory explanation of how he came into possession of the cows. Witnesses said his responses were inconsistent and lacked the details expected from a genuine owner or livestock trader.
As questioning continued, the matter became more serious.
Market authorities intervened to maintain order and examine the claims. After listening to both sides and observing the reaction of the animals, they reportedly found the herders’ claims more convincing.
Operatives already deployed in the area as part of on-going security operations later arrived at the market and took over the matter.
Under interrogation, Mohammed Jabi allegedly failed to provide verifiable information about the source of the cows.
Further investigations reportedly confirmed that the cows had indeed been stolen and that the suspect was acting on the instructions of his commander, Bachujo.
Security agencies said the arrest forms part of on-going efforts to dismantle bandit networks operating across forest regions in Kwara, Niger and Kogi states.
For the herders, recovering the cows ended a difficult search. The animals represented their livelihood, and losing them would have had severe consequences.
For security operatives, the arrest provided a fresh lead into the activities of the criminal network.
However, what stood out most in the incident was the role played by the cows themselves.
In many rural communities, the belief that cattle recognise their owners is widely accepted. Herders spend years with their animals, feeding them, calling them and moving with them over long distances. Over time, the animals become familiar with their owners.
Scientific studies have also shown that cows can recognise human faces and voices and respond differently to familiar and unfamiliar people.
At Ajase-Ipo market, that reality appeared to play out clearly.
The cows did not remain passive. Their reaction drew attention, strengthened the claims of the herders and contributed directly to the arrest of the suspect.
Without that reaction, Mohammed Jabi might have completed the sale and left the market unnoticed.
Instead, the cows’ response triggered suspicion, led to questioning and eventually exposed the alleged bandit.
As calm gradually returned to the market, the recovered cows were untied and handed back to their owners.
Mohammed Jabi remains in custody while investigations continue.
Security agencies are expected to use information obtained from him to track down other members of the gang, including the alleged commander, Bachujo, whose network is believed to be active across several locations.
The incident at Ajase-Ipo market highlights both the growing challenge of cattle rustling and the realities of rural life. It also shows how criminal groups adapt under security pressure and how local communities rely on experience and knowledge to identify stolen livestock.
