Police deploy trackers, drones to curb animal rustling

The Nigeria Police Force has said it would deploy electronic technology involving trackers and drones to curb animal rustling in the country.
The technology which was developed by a Nigerian company, INGSOC Ltd. is expected to ensure proper electronic identification and tracking of animals which would assist in producing actual population census and demography of herds, thereby enhancing livestock information transparency.
Unveiling the innovation to cattle herders and livestock farmers on Tuesday in Abuja , the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris stated that the electronic tracking system would greatly reduce herdsmen -farmers clashes , eliminate animal rustling and associated security challenges .
Idris, who was represented by DIG Foluso Adebanjo praised the Implementation Committee on Cattle Rustling in Nigeria which came up with the idea of the trackers, saying he was convinced about the usefulness and practicability of the hi-tech tool.
He disclosed that the committee did not receive any partnership or support from private individuals and corporate bodies in the course of its assignment, but expressed hope that they would buy into the project.
He said, “ Addressing security issues is multi -faceted; it was in the spirit of this that the Nigeria Police Force in May this year hosted a National Security Summit on kidnapping, farmers -pastoralist clashes, violent crimes and other forms of criminality. ”
The Assistant Inspector-General , Force Animal Branch , Charles Ugomuoh who led the committee on curtailment of cattle rustling , explained that the mandate of his committee was being carried out to end the conflict between herdsmen and farmers.
“ICCCRN mandate is being carried out through provision and application of animal loading and offloading (movement) permits, adherence to use of designated cattle stock routes , institutionalization of usage of designated grazing reserves and corridors and most importantly , cattle ownership identification, tracing and tracking of animals using appropriate technology , ” he said.
The representative of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria President, Idris Bawa highlighted the benefits of the technology to the audience and urged them to buy into the project in order to protect their herds.