Bauchi Govt Suspends Activities in Cattle Markets Over Rising Insecurity

The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the immediate suspension of commercial activities in selected cattle markets across four Local Government Areas of the state, following growing concerns over cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping.

The directive, approved by the Bauchi State Government, is part of proactive security measures aimed at dismantling criminal networks that reportedly use cattle markets as channels for selling stolen livestock and financing violent crimes.

In a statement issued by the Command, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urged residents to comply fully with the directive and support security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing operations.

According to the police, the decision followed a comprehensive security assessment involving the State Security Council, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Intelligence reports indicated that some of the affected markets had become transit points for criminal syndicates operating within and beyond the state.

The affected markets include several in Alkaleri LGA such as Alkaleri, Mansur, Futuk, Yalo, Gwana, Yalon Gurza, Kuka, Rimi, Pali, Bokwas, Kwaimawa, Mai-Ari, Gajin Duguri, and Maina Ma’aji.

In Bauchi LGA, the Liman Katagum cattle market has been shut down, while in Kirfi LGA, operations at Lariski, Bara, Sharfuri (night market), Cheledi, and Boli markets have been suspended. Similarly, Burga, Bununu, Ball, Kulumbo, and Zwall cattle markets in Tafawa Balewa LGA are affected by the directive.

CP Aliyu has directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical units to ensure strict enforcement, warning that anyone found violating the order will be arrested. Security patrols and intelligence teams have also been deployed to monitor compliance across the affected areas.

The Command reassured residents that the measure is temporary and will be reviewed once the security situation improves. It also reaffirmed its commitment to the policing vision of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which emphasizes intelligence-led and community-focused policing.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities through designated emergency lines or via the Police Rescue Me mobile application.

Authorities say the move is crucial to restoring peace and curbing criminal activities across Bauchi State.