A suspected cattle rustler, identified as 30-year-old, Mohammed Jabi, has been arrested after five cows allegedly identified their owners at the Ajase-Ipo market in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident reportedly occurred on January 11, 2026, when Jabi, a native of Buju village in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly brought the cows to the market for sale.
Witnesses said the market was closing for the day when some herders searching for their missing cattle arrived.
As they approached where the animals were tied, the cows reportedly became restless and moved towards them, drawing the attention of traders and buyers.
A trader, Danjuma Bature, who spoke with Vanguard, said the incident was not unusual because cattle could recognise familiar owners.
“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,” he said.
“Cattle possess the ability to recognise familiar voices, faces and routines even after long periods of separation from their owners. That was what played out at the market,” Bature added.
Suspect Arrested
The herders later identified the cows through their horn shapes, body marks and other features.
Attention then shifted to Jabi, who allegedly failed to give a convincing explanation about ownership of the animals.
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.
Investigations reportedly linked the suspect to a bandit commander identified as Bachujo, said to operate within forest corridors across Kwara, Niger and Kogi states.
Security sources alleged that the cows were brought to the market to be sold for food items and 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.