Security operatives attached to Operation Crush, a special anti-crime outfit in Abia State, on Monday arrested three Fulani cattle rustlers in the Ohiya Community, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended while attempting to steal cows from a local herd, following a tip-off and swift intervention by the security team.
Speaking during a press briefing in Umuahia, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander Macdonald Uba (retd.), said the timely arrest prevented what could have been a major crisis between cattle owners and the host community.
“We all know what would have happened if those cattle were rustled,” Uba stated. “It would have created serious tension in Ohiya and led to unnecessary conflict.”
He emphasized the state government’s firm stance against criminal activities, warning that Abia would not be a haven for criminals under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
“This state will yield no ground to criminals, especially those who threaten the peace and well-being of our citizens,” he said.
Uba explained that the suspects, all Fulani herders, intended to steal cattle from fellow Fulani herdsmen. Had the operation succeeded, it could have wrongly implicated the Ohiya community and triggered a violent backlash.
He also revealed that investigations were ongoing to identify other individuals linked to the rustling operation, including potential buyers.
“We have credible intelligence that will lead to the arrest of the Alhajis who were planning to purchase the stolen cattle,” he added.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of the Hausa community in Abia, Sarkin Hausawa, HRH Eze Yaro Danladi, condemned the actions of the rustlers. He stressed that their conduct could have sparked serious conflict.
“Imagine what the cattle owners could have done to the Ohiya community if the theft had not been intercepted,” he said.
One of the arrested suspects admitted to the crime, claiming they only planned to steal one cow, though the owners allege five were targeted.
The Abia State government reaffirmed its commitment to proactive security measures and community protection, noting that lessons from similar incidents in other states are being used to strengthen local conflict prevention strategies.
