Mirian Gom 
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – The Borno State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in processing and distributing meat from dead cattle to roadside vendors in Maiduguri, warning that the practice poses a serious threat to public health and food safety.
The arrests were carried out by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (Crack Squad) following intelligence reports on the illegal meat supply network operating within the state capital.
In a statement issued Monday night, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth Daso, said operatives stormed the Old Maiduguri Cattle Market on July 29, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m., where they intercepted the suspects while allegedly loading the carcass of a dead cow for transportation.
The suspects were identified as Modu Umar (43), Abba Mohammed (24), Adam Abubakar (21), Faruq Gambo (19), and Mada Usman (24).
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly sourced cattle that died from unknown causes, butchered the carcasses and supplied the meat to vendors for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to obtain cattle found dead, butcher the carcasses and supply the meat to roadside meat vendors for onward sale to members of the public,” the statement said.
“The suspects are currently in police custody while a discreet investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the activity, trace the intended distribution network, and identify other persons who may be connected. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” Daso stated.
Public health experts warn that meat from animals that die from disease or unknown causes may contain harmful bacteria, toxins and pathogens capable of causing severe foodborne illnesses if consumed.
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