Posted by Chinenye on Wed 02nd Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
The growing presence of roaming cows across Abuja has sparked a fresh response from the Nigeria Police Force.
(CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu. Photo Credit: NPF)
The Nigeria Police Force says controlling roaming cows in Abuja is not their job.
Police only step in when the animals cause trouble like damaging property, trespassing, or breaking other laws.
A police spokesperson explained that it's the environment ministry's responsibility to manage animals, including cattle.
If a cow damages someone's property or trespasses on land, that becomes a police matter and should be reported to the nearest station.
The force will investigate any formal complaint about offences involving the animals.
But simply looking for stray cows is not a police responsibility, he added.
The statement comes as more people complain about cattle roaming freely on major roads and public spaces throughout Abuja, raising safety concerns and worries about traffic and property damage.
Earlier, the FCT Minister had refused to address the issue directly.
He said he had the ability to deal with cow grazing in Abuja but wouldn't discuss it because of national security concerns.
He suggested people contact the National Security Adviser and the Director of the State Security Service about the matter.