NSCDC arrests five over alleged sale of dead cattle in Yobe

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Yobe State Command, has arrested five persons, including a 42-year-old woman identified as Nancy Benedict, over the alleged purchase and processing of dead cattle for human consumption.

The suspects were arrested in the New Jerusalem area of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Bala Garba, said the command received intelligence on the alleged activities and placed the woman under discreet surveillance for two weeks.

“We got intelligence about her activities and followed her discreetly for two weeks. We eventually saw her purchasing two carcasses for N100,000, with the intention of processing the meat for human consumption.”

According to Garba, the arrest followed the surveillance operation, during which operatives allegedly witnessed the purchase of the two carcasses.

The five suspects were subsequently taken into custody as the command commenced investigation into the alleged operation.

The investigation is expected to establish the source and condition of the carcasses, how the meat was intended to be processed and whether any of it had already been sold or supplied to members of the public.

The alleged activity has raised food safety concerns, particularly because meat from animals that die without veterinary inspection may pose health risks if processed and sold for human consumption.

The NSCDC said it would continue its investigation and take appropriate action based on its findings.