Five Arrested For Allegedly Selling Meat From Dead Cattle In Borno

The Borno State Police Command has arrested five suspects for allegedly processing and selling meat from dead cattle 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, after receiving intelligence about 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 police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly collected cattle that had died, butchered the carcasses, and supplied the meat to roadside vendors for resale to unsuspecting consumers.

The suspects were reportedly arrested while transporting the carcass of a dead cow to the Morumti area of Maiduguri, where it was allegedly meant to be processed and distributed.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the operation.

He said:

“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 Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, condemned the alleged sale of meat from dead animals, warning that such practices pose serious health risks to the public.

He added that the command would continue working with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to stop the sale of unsafe meat and protect consumers across the state.