The Borno State Police Command has arrested five persons suspected of processing and distributing meat from dead cattle for sale to members of the public in Maiduguri.
The suspects were arrested on July 29, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, also known as the Crack Squad, following intelligence reports on the alleged activity at the Old Maiduguri Cattle Market.
Police identified the suspects as Modu Umar, 43, Abba Mohammed, 24, Adam Abubakar, 21, Faruq Gambo, 19, and Mada Usman, 24.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly obtained cattle that had died, butchered the carcasses and supplied the meat to roadside vendors for resale to unsuspecting consumers.
The police said the suspects were apprehended while allegedly transporting the carcass of a dead cow to the Morumti area of Maiduguri, where it was reportedly intended for further processing and distribution.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said investigations were ongoing to determine the scale of the operation.
“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, identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected with the alleged practice,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, condemned the alleged sale of meat from dead animals, warning that such practices pose serious risks to public health.
He said the Command would continue to work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to curb the sale of unwholesome meat and protect consumers across the state.
Five arrested for allegedly selling meat from dead cattle in Borno