Borno Police Nab Five Suspects Over Sale of Meat from Dead Cattle
The Borno State Police Command has arrested five suspects over the alleged processing and selling of meat from dead cattle in Maiduguri, the state capital.
This was made known in a statement on Monday signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Nahum Daso.
The suspects were identified as Modu Umar, 43, Abba Mohammed, 24, Adam Abubakar, 21, Faruq Gambo, 19 and Mada Usman, 24.
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, according to the statement.
“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,” the statement read.
“The suspects were said to have been arrested with the carcass of a dead cow they were trying to transport to the Morumti area of Maiduguri for further processing and distribution.
“The suspects are in police custody as discreet investigation is underway 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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When the investigation is completed, the suspects will be charged accordingly in court.”
The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, condemned the practice, which he said was capable of endangering public health.
He assured the residents that the command would continue to work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to prevent the sale and consumption of unwholesome meat within the state.
As a preventive measure, the CP announced 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 to prevent recurrence.
The command also urged members of the public, particularly meat vendors and consumers to be vigilant and report suspicious activities relating to slaughtering, processing, transportation or sale of meat to the nearest police station or appropriate regulatory authority.
Again the command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting public health and working in partnership with communities and relevant agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents.
