Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has advised herders against night grazing and the movement of cattle within Abuja’s city centre.
He also pledged closer engagement with farming communities and other stakeholders to address recurring disputes in the territory.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, following a meeting between the police commissioner and a delegation of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, FCT Chapter, at the Command Headquarters in Garki, Abuja.
According to the statement, the delegation, led by the North-Central Zonal Chairman of the association, Alhaji Gidado Idris Bebeji, raised concerns over challenges affecting its members, including clashes with farmers and local vigilante groups, attacks by kidnappers and cattle rustlers, alleged attacks on herders, cattle poisoning, and the loss of traditional grazing routes to expanding farms, estates and residential developments.
Sanusi assured the delegation that issues within the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command would be addressed in line with the law, while matters outside the command’s mandate would be referred to the appropriate authorities.
The police commissioner also pledged to engage farmers, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence and reduce tensions between herders, farmers and host communities.
He expressed concern over the use of underage children for cattle grazing and warned against grazing along major roads, within towns and in the city centre, noting that such practices pose risks to residents, herders and livestock.
The commissioner advised that grazing activities should be confined to designated outskirts and that farmlands should be avoided to prevent conflicts and crop destruction.
He further cautioned against self-help in resolving disputes and urged members of the association to report suspicious persons and criminal activities within their communities to security agencies.
Sanusi warned that anyone found shielding criminals or failing to report criminal elements could be treated as an accomplice under the law.
The association’s leaders, according to the statement, thanked the police commissioner for receiving them and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies to strengthen peace and security across the Federal Capital Territory.
