The Ondo State Police Command has recovered livestock valued at N41 million allegedly stolen by a fleeing employee, following a report made by livestock owner Fasua Oyeleye.

Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed the development on Sunday in Akure while briefing journalists on recent operations conducted by the command.

Lawal stated that the case was reported on July 1, when Oyeleye informed police authorities that his employee, identified as Ali Garuba Muhammed, had disappeared with 55 cattle and eight sheep.

“The report indicated that the suspect absconded with the livestock without notice or trace,” Lawal said.

He explained that officers from the Anti-Kidnapping section launched an immediate investigation, which led to the recovery of 22 cows within 48 hours of the report. According to him, the recovered animals were traced to locations outside the initial scene of the theft.

“The primary suspect remains at large, but we are intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend him,” Lawal said. “The command is also working to recover the remaining stolen livestock and determine if others were complicit in the theft.”

The Commissioner emphasized that the operation reflects the command’s focus on intelligence-led policing and its capacity to respond promptly to organised crimes involving property theft.

“This operation is a testament to the capacity and responsiveness of the Police Command in Ondo State to tackle organised crime through strategic intelligence-led policing,” he said. “We assure residents that criminal elements will be relentlessly pursued.”

Lawal added that investigations are continuing and urged members of the public to provide any information that could aid in the arrest of the suspect and the full recovery of the stolen animals.