The Nigeria Police Force has said controlling roaming cattle in the Federal Capital Territory is not part of its responsibility, stressing that it will only intervene when the animals are involved in an offence.
The police spokesperson, CSP Anietie Iniedu, made this known on Tuesday during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing while responding to concerns over cattle roaming freely on roads and other public spaces in Abuja.
Iniedu said the responsibility for controlling animals, including cattle, lies with the relevant environment authorities.
He explained that the police would only become involved where roaming cattle were linked to offences such as property damage or trespass.
“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property,” he said.
Iniedu advised residents whose property had been damaged or whose premises had been trespassed by roaming cattle to report the matter at the nearest police station.
“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station,” he said.
The police spokesperson said the force would investigate any formal complaint involving an offence allegedly committed by roaming cattle.
“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” Iniedu stated.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns over cattle roaming freely along major roads and other parts of Abuja, with residents raising issues about public safety, traffic and possible damage to property.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had previously declined to comment directly on the matter, saying he had the capacity to address cattle grazing in Abuja but would not discuss it because it was linked to national security.
“I have the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja, but I won’t talk about it because it’s national security. Go to the NSA and the DSS DG. You know why I can’t touch it,” Wike said.
