The Nigeria Police Force has said the control of roaming cows in the Federal Capital Territory is not within its mandate, stressing that its intervention would only be required when the animals are involved in an offence.

The police spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, stated this on Tuesday at the joint security spokespersons’ briefing while responding to enquiries about the increasing presence of cows roaming roads and other public spaces in Abuja.

Iniedu explained that the responsibility for controlling animals, including cattle, rests with the relevant environment authorities, while the police would only act where the animals cause damage to property, trespass or become involved in other offences.

“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,” he said.

The police spokesperson added that the force would investigate any complaint formally lodged over offences allegedly committed by roaming cattle.

“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,” Iniedu stated.

The clarification comes amid concerns over the continued sighting of cattle roaming freely on major roads and other areas of Abuja, raising concerns about public safety, traffic and possible damage to property.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had previously declined to comment on the issue, saying he had the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja but would not discuss the matter because it was related to national security.

“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,” Wike said.