The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine suspects in connection with cattle rustling and vandalism of critical infrastructure in Jigawa State, according to State Commandant Bawa Boddinga.

During a parade of the suspects at the NSCDC Command headquarters in Dutse, Commandant Boddinga revealed that the arrests were made during recent coordinated security operations targeting criminal activities across the state.

Among those apprehended were Adamu Hassan, 40, from Kantamari village in Kaugama Local Government Area, and Hassan Adamu, 31, from Malam-Madori LGA, both allegedly involved in cattle rustling operations in the region.

The Commandant also disclosed that seven other individuals, aged between 14 and 35, were arrested for allegedly vandalising public infrastructure in Danmanomi village, Gumel LGA.

Items recovered during the operations include six goats, four sheep, one calf, a motorcycle, a bus, farming tools, as well as bows and arrows believed to have been used during the criminal activities.

Reaffirming the Corps' commitment to tackling insecurity in Jigawa, Boddinga vowed to rid the state of criminal elements, including cattle rustlers, drug dealers, and vandals.

"We will make Jigawa a zero-crime state. Our divisional inspectors and area commanders have been directed to intensify surveillance and operations in all nooks and crannies," he stated.

The Commandant added that investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of each suspect's involvement, after which they would face prosecution. The NSCDC is also probing potential connections between the suspects and broader criminal networks operating within the state.

This operation comes as part of broader efforts by security agencies to address rising concerns about cattle rustling and vandalism of public infrastructure, which have significant economic impacts on local communities and the state government.