The Niger State Police Command has pledged its full support for the enforcement of new cattle market regulations aimed at enhancing livestock security, safeguarding public health and boosting government revenue.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, gave the assurance while receiving the Commissioners for Livestock and Nomadic Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Mammagi and Hon. Umar Rebe, during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Dutsen-Kura, Minna.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in enforcing regulations governing cattle markets and livestock transportation across the state.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Mammagi said the establishment of the Ministry of Nomadic Affairs had contributed significantly to addressing farmers-herders clashes and managing the influx of nomadic groups through sustained stakeholder engagement.
He explained that the new regulations are designed to create a more organised cattle market system, with mandatory veterinary inspection and documentation of animals before transportation.
Under the new measures, every animal purchased for transportation must be accompanied by a waybill issued after veterinary inspection, a process intended to improve traceability, enhance security, build confidence in livestock transactions and increase government revenue.
Hon. Rebe commended the Police Command for its continued support to the ministry, describing the partnership as crucial to tackling challenges facing nomadic communities in the state.
Responding, CP Elleman reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing all relevant laws and regulations.
He stressed the need for proper verification of the origin of livestock, profiling of buyers and sellers, and the use of a legal transaction platform to curb criminal activities associated with livestock trading.
The police commissioner also lauded the inclusion of veterinary health checks in the new framework, noting that it would improve the safety of beef consumed by the public while contributing to the state’s revenue drive.
He assured both ministries of the command’s continued collaboration in combating cattle rustling and other security challenges linked to livestock trade in Niger State.