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The Nigeria Police Force says controlling roaming cattle in Abuja is not part of its constitutional responsibility, insisting that animal control falls under relevant environmental authorities.
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Police spokesperson Ani Iniedu says officers will intervene when cattle are linked to offences, including trespass, destruction of property or other criminal acts, but will not go searching for stray cows.
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The clarification follows growing concerns over cattle roaming major Abuja roads and public spaces, including the Central Business District and areas around the Presidential Villa.
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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had earlier said he had the capacity to deal with cattle grazing in Abuja but declined to discuss the matter, citing national security considerations.
September 03, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Police Force has washed its hands off the growing problem of roaming cattle in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, saying controlling animals is not within its constitutional mandate.
The Force said its intervention would only become necessary where roaming cattle are involved in an offence, including trespass, destruction of property or any other criminal act.
Police spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja while responding to questions on the increasing presence of cattle on major roads and other public spaces in the nation’s capital.
Iniedu said the responsibility for controlling animals, including cattle, rests with the relevant Ministry or Department of Environment, rather than the police.
He explained that the police would become involved where the activities of roaming cattle resulted in an offence or caused damage to individuals’ property.
“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing on your property. If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station,” he said.
The police spokesperson stressed that residents affected by roaming cattle must formally report such incidents before the Force can commence an investigation.
He said the police would investigate complaints relating to offences allegedly committed by cattle or their handlers but would not deploy officers simply to search for and remove cows wandering through Abuja.
“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” Iniedu stated.
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Cattle Roam Major Abuja Roads
The police clarification comes amid growing concern over the continued movement of cattle through major roads and public spaces in Abuja.
Residents and motorists have raised concerns over the presence of herds of cattle in highly populated and strategic parts of the capital, with the animals reportedly sighted around major roads, the Central Business District and areas close to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The development has triggered questions over public safety, traffic management, environmental enforcement and the effectiveness of regulations governing animal movement and grazing within the Federal Capital Territory.
The presence of cattle on busy roads creates potential hazards for motorists and pedestrians, particularly where animals cross or occupy carriageways.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had said that the FCT Administration possessed the capacity to deal with the issue but declined to provide details, saying the matter was connected to national security.
“I have the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja, but I won’t talk about it because it’s national security. Go to the NSA and the DSS DG. You know why I can’t touch it,” Wike said.
The minister’s comment had raised questions over the nature of the security concerns surrounding cattle grazing in the nation’s capital and why the issue could not be addressed openly as an environmental or urban-management matter.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
