The Borno State Police Command has detained five individuals suspected of processing and selling meat from deceased cattle to unsuspecting members of the public in Maiduguri.

The arrests occurred on July 29, 2026, following a credible intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (Crack Squad) at the Old Maiduguri Cattle Market.

The suspects—Modu Umar (43), Abba Mohammed (24), Adam Abubakar (21), Faruq Gambo (19), and Mada Usman (24)—are accused of conspiring to acquire cattle that died naturally, butcher the carcasses, and sell the meat to roadside vendors.

Police revealed that the suspects were caught while transporting a dead cow carcass to the Morumti area of Maiduguri, likely for further processing and distribution.

Borno State Police Commissioner Naziru Abdulmajid condemned the practice as a serious health threat. He assured residents that the police would continue working with government agencies and stakeholders to prevent the sale of unsafe meat across the state.

Investigations continue to uncover the full scope of the operation, the distribution network, and to arrest other individuals involved. The suspects will face charges in court once investigations conclude.

To prevent such incidents in the future, the police chief announced plans for community engagement with abattoir operators, butchers’ associations, livestock dealers, meat vendors, and regulatory bodies to improve food safety compliance.

The police also urged residents, particularly meat vendors and consumers, to stay alert and report suspicious slaughter, processing, transportation, or sale activities related to meat to the nearest police station or relevant authorities.