Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Five persons have been arrested by the Borno State Police Command for allegedly processing and selling meat from dead cattle to unsuspecting members of the public in Maiduguri, in what authorities have described as a serious threat to public health and food safety.
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), also known as the Crack Squad, at the Old Maiduguri Cattle Market.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the operation formed part of the command’s sustained efforts to protect residents from the dangers associated with the consumption of contaminated and unwholesome meat.
Police identified the suspects as Modu Umar, 43; Abba Mohammed, 24; Adam Abubakar, 21; Faruq Gambo, 19; and Mada Usman, 24.
Investigators said the arrests followed credible intelligence received on July 29, 2026, indicating that a group of individuals had been obtaining cattle that had died, butchering the carcasses and supplying the meat to roadside vendors for sale to unsuspecting consumers across Maiduguri.
Suspects intercepted with dead cow
Police said the suspects were arrested while allegedly transporting the carcass of a dead cow to the Morumti area of Maiduguri, where it was reportedly intended for further processing before being distributed to meat sellers.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly conspired to obtain cattle that had died from unknown causes instead of animals slaughtered under approved veterinary supervision.
Authorities believe the meat would have eventually found its way into restaurants, roadside food outlets and households if the operation had not been intercepted in time.
The command disclosed that the suspects remain in custody while detectives continue investigations to determine the full extent of the alleged operation, identify additional collaborators and trace the distribution network through which the meat was allegedly supplied to vendors.
Police condemn the practice
Borno State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, condemned the alleged practice, describing it as a dangerous criminal activity capable of exposing thousands of residents to serious illnesses.
He assured the public that the police would continue intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing the processing and sale of unwholesome meat throughout the state.
The Commissioner also reiterated the command’s commitment to collaborating with relevant government agencies responsible for food safety, livestock management and public health to ensure similar incidents are prevented.
Community engagement planned
As part of measures to prevent a recurrence, the police announced plans to convene a meeting involving abattoir operators, butchers’ associations, livestock dealers, meat vendors and regulatory agencies.
The engagement is expected to strengthen compliance with meat inspection regulations, improve monitoring of slaughterhouses and educate stakeholders on the dangers of processing animals that die outside approved slaughter facilities.
Authorities believe stronger collaboration between security agencies and industry operators will reduce illegal meat processing and protect consumers from unsafe food products.
Public warned to remain vigilant
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant whenever purchasing meat.
Residents were advised to patronise only recognised abattoirs and licensed butcheries where veterinary officers inspect animals before slaughter.
Consumers were also encouraged to report suspicious slaughter activities, illegal meat processing centres or vendors selling unusually cheap meat to the nearest police station or relevant regulatory authority.
According to health experts, meat from animals that die naturally or from disease may contain harmful bacteria, toxins or infectious organisms capable of causing serious illness in humans if consumed.
Food safety professionals warn that proper veterinary inspection is essential because some diseases affecting livestock cannot be detected by ordinary consumers.
Health risks associated with dead animals
Experts say consuming meat from animals that died before slaughter can expose people to food poisoning and zoonotic diseasesโillnesses transmitted from animals to humans.
Diseases such as anthrax, tuberculosis, salmonellosis and other bacterial infections may spread through improperly handled meat.
For this reason, Nigerian food safety regulations require livestock to undergo inspection before slaughter, while meat inspectors certify carcasses fit for human consumption before they are released into the market.
Authorities noted that these regulations exist to protect public health and maintain confidence in the nation’s food supply chain.
Investigation continues
Police said discreet investigations are ongoing to establish whether the suspects have operated the alleged network for an extended period and whether additional suppliers or buyers are involved.
Investigators are expected to examine where the dead cattle originated, identify meat vendors that may have purchased the products and determine whether similar incidents have occurred previously.
The command stated that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law after investigations are concluded.
The latest arrests underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of livestock markets and slaughter facilities across Nigeria, especially at a time when public health authorities continue to campaign against the sale of contaminated food.
The Borno State Police Command reiterated its appeal for public cooperation, stressing that timely information from residents remains crucial in combating activities that threaten consumer safety.
Sources
- Punch Newspapers
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Daily Post Nigeria
- BusinessDay Nigeria
- Radio Nigeria (FRCN)
