The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine suspects in connection with cattle rustling and the vandalism of critical infrastructure across Jigawa State.

Parading the suspects at the NSCDC Command headquarters in Dutse, the State Commandant, Bawa Boddinga, said the arrests were made during recent coordinated security operations targeting criminal activities in various parts of the state.

Among those apprehended are Adamu Hassan, 40, from Kantamari village in Kaugama Local Government Area, and Hassan Adamu, 31, from Malam-Madori LGA, both allegedly involved in cattle rustling.

Boddinga also disclosed that seven other individuals, aged between 14 and 35, were nabbed for allegedly vandalising public infrastructure in Danmanomi village, Gumel LGA.

Recovered items include six goats, four sheep, one calf, a motorcycle, a bus, farming tools, as well as bows and arrows believed to have been used during the criminal activities.

Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to tackling insecurity, Boddinga vowed to rid the state of criminal elements, including cattle rustlers, drug dealers, and vandals.

“We will make Jigawa a zero-crime state. Our divisional inspectors and area commanders have been directed to intensify surveillance and operations in all nooks and crannies,” he said.

He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of each suspect’s involvement, after which they would be prosecuted.

The NSCDC, according to him, is also probing potential connections between the suspects and broader criminal networks operating within the state.