Roaming Cows Take Over Abuja Streets? Police Reveal Who Should Control Them

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that controlling roaming cattle on Abuja streets does not fall within its mandate.

The Force spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, made the clarification on Tuesday during a joint briefing involving security agency spokespersons, explaining that the responsibility for controlling animals in the Federal Capital Territory rests with the relevant environment authorities.

According to Iniedu, the Police only become involved when roaming cattle are linked to criminal offences, property damage or trespassing, provided a formal complaint is made.

He explained that residents who suffer damage or other offences allegedly involving cattle are expected to report the matter to the nearest police station, after which the Police would investigate the complaint.

“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property,” Iniedu said.

He added that the Police would immediately commence an investigation once a formal complaint involving an alleged offence had been lodged.

However, Iniedu stressed that physically going around Abuja to search for and control roaming cattle was not part of the Police’s responsibilities.

The clarification comes amid renewed concerns over the continued presence of cattle on major roads and other public areas across Abuja, with residents raising questions about traffic disruptions, public safety and potential damage to property.

The development follows recent comments by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who apologised for the continued presence of roaming cattle in parts of the nation’s capital and accepted responsibility for the situation.

Wike acknowledged that cattle were still being seen on some Abuja streets despite measures taken by the FCT Administration to address the problem.