More than 3,000 stolen animals have been returned to their rightful owners in a major recovery effort aimed at restoring livelihood in parts of northwest Nigeria ravaged by livestock theft and rural banditry.
The animals were recovered over a 15-month period through intensified security operations and handed back under the supervision of a verification committee led by Sheikh Sa’idu Maikwano. At a strategy meeting with Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, Maikwano emphasized the importance of streamlining the recovery process as security forces continue to make gains.
The returns mark a significant step toward rebuilding economic stability for affected farming communities and reinforcing the state’s commitment to justice and rural recovery.
The returned animals comprised of cows, sheeps and goats among others.
The committee chairman commended the SSG for effective supervision of the committee.
He also appreciated Gov Dauda Lawal for giving them all the necessary support which led to the success recorded.
Sheikh Maikwano also said that the committee recovered N120 million from auctioned overstayed animals.
He said the money was remitted into the state Zakkat Board account in line with the established rules and guidelines of the committee.
Earlier, the SSG reiterated the government’s commitment to returning all rustled animals recovered by security forces to their rightful owners in the state.
He commended the efforts of the committee for discharging its duty effectively.
“Your assignment is very special and critical as it strives to give hope to the hopeless victims who lost their wealth to the heartless cattle rustlers, the SSG added.
The SSG who supervises the committee, said the meeting was aimed at strategising more effective and efficient ways for the success of the committee’s assignment.
He emphasized Gov. Lawal’s administration’s effort aimed at fostering community resilience and promoting social justice for amicable conflict resolution.
