The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that removing or controlling cattle roaming freely in Abuja is not part of its statutory responsibilities, saying it would only intervene when the animals are linked to an offence.
The clarification was made by the police spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, during a joint briefing by security agencies on Tuesday.
Iniedu was responding to questions about the increasing presence of cattle on roads, public spaces and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the primary responsibility for regulating and controlling animals within the FCT lies with the relevant environmental authorities rather than the police.
He explained that the police could become involved if roaming cattle were reported to have caused property damage, trespassed on private premises or been associated with another offence.
“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment,” Iniedu said.
He added that residents who believe their property had been damaged or that an offence had been committed by roaming cattle should report the matter to the nearest police station.
“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station,” he said.
The police spokesperson further assured that the force would investigate complaints formally submitted concerning offences involving cattle.
“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” he stated.
The police position comes amid growing public concern over cattle being seen wandering along major roads, residential areas and other public spaces in Abuja.
The presence of the animals has raised questions about road safety, traffic disruptions, property damage and the broader regulation of livestock within the nation’s capital.
The issue has also attracted attention from the administration of the Federal Capital Territory.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had previously refused to comment extensively on the matter, describing it as a national security issue.
Wike said he had the capacity to address cattle grazing in Abuja but indicated that he could not discuss the issue publicly.
“I have the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja, but I won’t talk about it because it’s national security,” the minister said.
He directed questions on the matter to the National Security Adviser and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, suggesting that the issue extended beyond routine environmental or municipal enforcement.
The contrasting statements have further highlighted the complex responsibilities surrounding the management of roaming livestock in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly where issues of public safety, property rights, environmental regulation and national security overlap.
