The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended four individuals allegedly involved in a cattle rustling operation in Ado-Awaye, located in Iseyin Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were arrested following a prompt response by security operatives to a distress call from residents.

The development was confirmed in a statement released on Monday in Ibadan by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade. He disclosed that the operation also led to the recovery of stolen cattle and the rescue of two herders who had been restrained by the suspects.

According to the statement, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, 2026, at about 2:00 a.m., when a resident, Muhammad Ibrahim from the Igbojaye area, alerted the police that armed men had stormed a cattle settlement belonging to one Yahaya at Iserin area via Ado-Awaye and stolen several cows.

Ayanlade explained that the Divisional Police Officer in Ado-Awaye quickly mobilised a combined team of police officers and local vigilantes to the scene, which resulted in the interception of the suspects as they attempted to flee with the animals.

“Upon arriving at the location, the team discovered that the suspects had already loaded two cows into a white Mazda bus with registration number KMA 178 ZY and were preparing to load three more when the patrol team closed in on them. On sighting the operatives, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the surrounding bush,” he stated.

He added that during the operation, the security team discovered two cattle herders, identified as Ibrahim Musa and Ibrahim Umaru, tied together at the camp. They were immediately freed by the rescue team.

The police spokesperson further revealed that an intensive search operation led to the arrest of the vehicle’s driver, Sekooni Wale, 30, and the motor boy, Jimoh Toheeb, 25, shortly after the incident.

He said further investigation took operatives to Maya Town in the Lanlate axis, where the alleged mastermind of the operation, Moshood Abdullahi, 38, described as a notorious cattle rustler from Badagry, was arrested alongside another accomplice, Macho Sindi, 29.

According to Ayanlade, the suspects admitted their involvement in the crime during interrogation, noting that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between the police and local security groups in combating rural criminal activities.

“The recovery of the stolen cattle and the arrest of the suspects highlight the impact of coordinated security efforts in safeguarding lives and property within rural communities,” the statement added.

The Command reassured residents of its determination to continue tackling criminal activities and strengthening security across the state.