Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Suspected bandit informants and logistics suppliers arrested in Kwara State are allegedly making moves to secure their release after reportedly raising money to perfect their bail, sources familiar with the matter have told SaharaReporters. The suspects, who were detained in connection with alleged cattle transportation and supply operations linked to criminal networks operating across parts of Kwara, Niger and Kogi states, were said to have been remanded while efforts are ongoing by their alleged sponsors and leaders to secure their freedom. Sources told SaharaReporters on Thursday, May 21, 2026, that one of the suspects, identified as 30‑year‑old Mohammed Jabi, a native of Buju village in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State who resides in Waji village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, was arrested alongside others identified as Rabo Senegal, Bello and Asunmon.
According to the sources, the suspects were arrested at Ajap‑Ipo market in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State after allegedly rustling cows intended to be sold in exchange for food items and other logistics meant for members of the criminal group. The suspects identified their ringleader as one Bachujo, who was said to be linked to a network of criminal elements operating within forest corridors stretching across parts of Kwara, Niger and Kogi states. A source familiar with the matter stated that the Kwara State Government had remained silent over the development despite the security implications surrounding the arrests. The source further claimed that although the suspects had been remanded, attempts were being made to secure their bail so they could return to their activities. “They are informants to the terrorists and logistics suppliers in Kwara South. Now their leaders are finding ways to get them out of the prison and start wrecking havoc to Kwara South,” the source said.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, police officers were seen interrogating the suspects in Hausa language shortly after their arrest last week. During the interrogation, one of the officers questioned Mohammed Jabi about the origin of the cows and the individuals coordinating the operation. “You said you knew the place over there in Oreke. First you talked about cows. Who gave you the cows?” the officer asked. In response, Mohammed Jabi said, “Agaji gave us the cows.” The officer continued, “He told you to come and meet who?” Jabi replied, “We should go and meet his younger brother.” Asked to identify the younger brother, Jabi said, “Hamisu, and his first name is Abdullahi. He is called Abdullahi, and he is also called Hamisu.” The police officer then asked whether the man lived in Oreke or elsewhere. “He lives in Oreke,” Jabi answered.
The suspect further explained that the man’s house was located in the Bori area and that most of his younger brothers were living in town. The officer also asked how many times he had been involved in transporting cows. “This is my second time,” Jabi admitted. When asked who gave him the cows during the first operation, he again mentioned Agaji. The suspect disclosed that the cows were transported to Ibadan in Oyo State. “To which state do you take the cows?” the officer asked. “Governor Road, Ibadan,” Jabi responded. The suspect identified himself as a member of the Badakare ethnic group from Zuru. Further interrogation revealed that the transportation involved trailers loaded with cows. “How many cows did you bring?” the officer asked. “Fourteen were on top, altogether it was fourteen,” the suspect answered, before adding that the total later became “about twenty or thirty.” The suspect also admitted that the first trip involved twelve cows transported with one trailer.
When questioned about the driver involved in the operation, Jabi identified him simply as “Alhaji,” describing him as a Yoruba man. The driver, identified as Murtala from Ilorin, was also interrogated in the video. The police officer asked him, “How many times have you transported loads from Oreke to Ibadan?” “Two times,” Murtala responded. Asked how many cows he transported during the latest operation, he answered, “Fourteen.” The officer noted that the figure amounted to twenty‑eight cows transported across two trips. Murtala also confirmed that only one truck carried the cows during the first trip.
During the interrogation, another suspect was questioned over goats transported in one of the vehicles. The suspect claimed that the goats had been handed over to them by a soldier. “Honestly, a soldier gave them to us,” he said. Asked why the soldier entrusted them with the animals, the suspect said the soldier heard that a truck was heading to Ibadan and requested assistance transporting the goats. “He said, ‘Please help us. We should deliver them for him,’” the suspect stated. The suspect further claimed that the arrangement happened during a period of migration and that the owner of the animals had recently arrived in the area and continued buying livestock ahead of the Eid‑el‑Kabir celebration. “Since Eid‑el‑Kabir is near, let him arrange for the animals to be transported for him,” the suspect quoted the alleged soldier as saying. The suspect identified the soldier as a member of the Badakare ethnic group from Zuru. The officer also mentioned names including Dan Jima and Dan Tani during the interrogation, asking whether they were soldiers. “They are not soldiers,” the suspect responded, adding that they were people entrusted with the goats and sheep. When asked whether one of them resided in Oro‑Ago, the suspect denied it.
The arrest of Mohammed Jabi was triggered by an unusual incident at Ajap‑Ipo market on January 11, 2026, when five cows reportedly identified their owners and exposed a suspected cattle rustler. According to Vanguard, the market was winding down for the day when a group of herders searching for missing cattle arrived. As they approached the section where five cows were tied, the animals suddenly became agitated, pulling repeatedly against their ropes and making low sounds, as though reacting to familiar faces. The unusual behaviour attracted immediate attention, and traders reportedly abandoned negotiations to watch. One of the traders, Danjuma Bature, told Vanguard: “What made the development even more striking was that the herders had not yet claimed ownership of the cows. But the animals appeared to have recognised them first. This is normal because cattle recognise their owners.” The herders later identified the cows through their horn shapes, body marks and other features, and attention shifted to Jabi, who allegedly failed to provide a convincing explanation about ownership. Market authorities alerted security operatives attached to a special task force set up by the Inspector‑General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to tackle violent crimes in Kwara State.
Security sources alleged that recent joint operations by Police and Military personnel had mounted pressure on criminal groups within the forests, limiting their movement and access to supplies. Investigators suspect that the cows were brought to Ajap‑Ipo market to be sold in exchange for food items and other logistics for members of the group. The cattle were later returned to their owners, while security agencies intensified efforts to track other suspected members of the network. The investigation into the network and its operations across communities in Kwara South and neighbouring states is ongoing.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments