…it is a threat to public health and consumer safety

The Borno State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, Crack Squad, has arrested five suspects for allegedly supplying meat from dead cattle in Maiduguri and its environs, describing it as a threat to public health and consumer safety.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday night by Nahum Kenneth Daso, the command’s spokesman, who said the suspects were arrested at the Old Maiduguri Cattle Market on July 29, 202026, at about 8:00 a.m after acting on credible intelligence.

According to him, the Crack Squad moved in swiftly and apprehended the suspects while they were allegedly loading the carcass of a dead cow for transport.

The suspects were identified as Modu Umar, 43; Abba Mohammed, 24; Adam Abubakar, 21; Faruq Gambo, 19; and Mada Usman, 24.

Police said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to obtain cattle found dead, butcher the carcasses and supply the meat to roadside meat vendors for onward sale to members of the public.

Daso said at the point of arrest, the carcass was allegedly being prepared for movement to the Morumti area of Maiduguri for further processing and distribution before the operatives intercepted them.

“The suspects are currently in police custody while discreet investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the activity, trace the intended distribution network, and identify other persons who may be connected.

“They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”

CP Naziru Abdulmaji condemned the practice, describing it as capable of endangering public health, assuring the residents thatthe command ill sustain intelligence-led operations to prevent the sale and consumption of unwholesome meat in the state.

As part of preventive measures, Abdulmajid said the command will convene a community engagement with abattoir operators, butchers’ associations, livestock dealers, meat vendors, and relevant regulatory authorities to strengthen monitoring and compliance with food safety standards.

The command urged members of the public, particularly meat vendors and consumers, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities relating to the slaughter, processing, transportation or sale of meat to the nearest police station.