Police Recover 45 Stolen Cattle After Fierce Gunfight With Suspected Bandits

A multi-agency security team recovered 45 stolen cattle from Pokot North Sub-County that were captured by suspected bandits after being attacked by an ambush during an operation in Turkana County.

The National Police Service (NPS) said the operation was carried out by officers on Friday in Aroo Sub-County after they had received reliable information that the animals stolen last month had been taken to Namakat Village, Kalemngorok Sub-location.

Based on the NPS, a collaborative effort from a team of security officers led to the recovery of all 45 animals and then transported to a designated safe place.

However, while the officers led the animals out, the bandits were believed to have attacked to recover their animals, leading to a gunfight.

“Despite the hostile confrontation, the multi-agency team remained resolute, tactically repelled the attack and successfully overpowered the criminals, ensuring the safety of the recovered livestock,” the National Police Service said.

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The Successful Recovery of Stolen Cattle by Security Agencies, Emphasizing the Effectiveness of Intelligence-led Operations 

According to the Service, no reports of casualties from the operation were received.

The board stated the assailant engaged the security officers in a fiery exchange of fire in an attempt to disrupt the operation, but they did not succeed

The captured cattle are now in police custody and will be there until the identification process is completed by the owners of Pokot North.

NPS said the operation shows how intelligence-led security measures can be successfully employed in fighting livestock theft and banditry in the North Rift.

“The success of this operation reflects the unwavering commitment, courage and sacrifice of security officers in their duty to protect life and property,” the Service added.

Police did not specify whether any arrests were made during the raid and stated that investigations are still underway to establish who was responsible for the theft of stock and the forceful recovery of the animals.

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The Lifting of a Ban, a Crackdown on Herd Theft and Banditry in Northeastern Counties

The lifting of the ban coincides with a crackdown by security agencies on herd theft syndicates and banditry in the northeastern Counties.

The police appealed to the public to keep cooperating with security agencies in providing information about stolen stock to track down the thieves.

The board stated that once identification and verification are completed, the livestock will be returned to the respective owners, as the security agencies continue to fight theft of livestock and establish peace throughout the area.

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A security team fought off suspected bandits trying to reclaim 45 stolen cattle during a recovery operation in Turkana. The livestock is now under police custody. Credits PCS