Abuja roaming cows: Police clarify limits of its responsibility

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that controlling roaming cattle in the Federal Capital Territory is not part of its mandate, saying its intervention would only become necessary if the animals are involved in an offence. The Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, made this known on Tuesday during the joint security agencies’ spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja, while responding to concerns over cattle roaming freely on major roads and public spaces across the capital. Iniedu said the responsibility for controlling animals, including cattle, lies with the relevant Ministry or Department of Environment. He explained that the police would only intervene where roaming cattle were alleged to have destroyed property, trespassed on private premises or committed another offence. According to him, residents who experience such incidents should report them at the nearest police station, after which the Force would commence an investigation. He stressed that going out specifically to search for or control roaming cows does not fall within the police’s responsibilities.

The police clarification comes amid growing concerns over the presence of cattle on Abuja roads and other public areas, with residents raising questions about possible risks to public safety, traffic and property. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had previously declined to comment directly on the issue, saying he had the capacity to address cow grazing in Abuja but would not discuss it because he considered the matter a national security issue. Wike had directed those seeking clarification to the National Security Adviser and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, saying he could not speak further on the matter. Meanwhile, the police have maintained that any complaint involving roaming cattle and alleged offences will be investigated once formally reported.

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