NSCDC arrests woman, four others over alleged sale of dead cattle meat in Yobe
Yobe NSCDC Arrests Five for Alleged Handling of Dead Cattle
DAMATURU, Nigeria — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Yobe State Command has apprehended five individuals, including a 42-year-old woman, on charges related to the purchase and processing of deceased cattle for human consumption.
NSCDC Public Relations Officer Bala Garba stated that the woman, identified as Nancy Benedict, was under surveillance for two weeks prior to her arrest. The operation took place in the New Jerusalem area of Damaturu, following intelligence reports regarding the suspects’ alleged activities.
According to Garba, the investigation revealed that Benedict purchased two cattle carcasses for 100,000 naira, with the intention of processing the meat for consumption.
“We arrested the suspects after our operatives observed the woman buying the two cattle carcasses. They are currently in custody, and we are examining the origin of the cattle, the circumstances of their death, and whether the meat had already been prepared or distributed,” Garba said.
The NSCDC has also indicated that it will investigate whether the suspects had engaged in similar activities previously.
Officials have cautioned that meat from animals that died without the oversight of a qualified veterinarian could pose significant health risks to consumers.
