The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that it is not responsible for stopping cattle from roaming freely on roads and public spaces in Abuja, saying its intervention would only become necessary when the animals are linked to an offence.

Police spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, made the clarification on Tuesday during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja, while responding to concerns over the increasing presence of cows on major roads and other public areas within the Federal Capital Territory.

Iniedu said the control of roaming animals falls under the responsibility of relevant environmental authorities rather than the police.

According to him, the police would intervene where roaming cattle are alleged to have destroyed property, trespassed on private premises or committed any other offence.

“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property.

“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station.”

The spokesperson stressed that the police would investigate any formal complaint involving cattle where an offence was alleged.

“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” he said.

The development comes amid growing concerns over cattle frequently seen wandering across major roads, residential areas and other public spaces in Abuja.

The presence of the animals has raised concerns over road safety, traffic disruption, possible accidents and damage to property.

The issue had also attracted attention from FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who previously said he had the capacity to address cattle grazing in Abuja but declined to discuss the matter, citing national security concerns.

Wike had said: “I have the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja, but I won’t talk about it because it’s national security. Go to the NSA and the DSS DG. You know why I can’t touch it.”