Residents of Mahia town had suspected the woman had links with militant Islamist group Boko Haram.

An elder alleged that the last time someone kept a vulture, the area was targeted by the militants.

Othman Abubakar, local police spokesman, said investigations into the appearance of the bird in the area were still going on.

He added that the cost of feeding the bird would likely rise as it remains in detention.

According to the Punch news site, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation has called for the immediate release of the bird.