LOKOJA, KOGI STATE — The Kogi State Police Command has announced the arrest of a key suspect linked to a recent attack on Ayegunle community, alongside the recovery of about 100 rustled cattle in a coordinated security operation.
According to preliminary information from the command, the suspect was apprehended following intelligence-led operations carried out by security operatives in response to reported incidents of violence and cattle rustling in the area. Authorities say the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
The police stated that the operation also led to the recovery of approximately 100 cattle believed to have been stolen during the attack on the community. Investigators are currently working to trace the ownership of the livestock and determine the full extent of the criminal activities associated with the case.
Security officials explained that the arrest followed sustained surveillance and collaboration with local informants, which helped identify the suspect’s movements and connections to the broader network allegedly responsible for the attack. The suspect is reportedly assisting investigators with information that could lead to further arrests.
The police command noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of the suspected criminal gang, as part of a wider crackdown on armed groups and cattle rustlers operating in parts of Kogi State and surrounding regions.
Residents of Ayegunle community had previously raised alarm over repeated attacks and livestock theft, which have contributed to heightened tension and insecurity in the area. Local leaders have welcomed the latest development, describing it as a positive step toward restoring peace and confidence in the community.
The Kogi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state, warning criminal elements to desist from activities that threaten public peace or face the full weight of the law.
Security analysts note that cattle rustling remains a major driver of rural insecurity in parts of Nigeria, often linked to broader criminal networks involved in armed robbery and communal violence. They emphasize the importance of intelligence sharing and community policing in addressing such threats effectively.
As investigations continue, authorities say more updates will be provided as efforts intensify to dismantle the network behind the attack and recover additional stolen property.
