Police on Thursday, June 12, 2025, recovered a total of 150 livestock that had been stolen from Natiti village in Baragoi Sub-location, Samburu County.
The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement shared on the night of Thursday, June 12, said that armed bandits had stolen the livestock that included goats and sheep.
According to NPS, its officers started pursuing the bandits immediately after receiving reports about the attack, to recover the stolen livestock.
“Today, 12 June 2025, officers from the National Police Service (NPS) received reports of a bandit attack in which approximately one hundred and fifty goats and sheep were stolen in Natiti Village, Baragoi Sub-Location, Samburu County. The officers responded swiftly, launching an operation to pursue the armed bandits and recover the stolen animals,” the statement read in part.
Gun exchange
A fierce exchange of fire between the police and the bandits is said to have ensued after the criminals were intercepted.
However, the bandits were overpowered by the police, and all the stolen livestock was recovered.
“Upon intercepting the bandits, a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, overpowering the criminals. All the stolen livestock were successfully recovered and returned to the owners. The NPS commends the officers for their dedication and bravery in the line of duty. The Service remains committed to its mission of protecting and serving the public,” NPS stated.
Police operations
Early this year, Police recovered 100 goats and an AK-47 assault rifle in an anti-stock theft operation undertaken in Turkana County.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, NPS confirmed the recoveries were made following a well-coordinated raid done a day earlier in Namakat village, Katilu location in Turkana County.
In addition, during the operation, one magazine and 11 ammunition were recovered.
The operation is a wider part of the government security initiative dubbed Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which targets escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties.
The counties include Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
“On 14/01/2025, the multi-agency security team in Loyapat conducting an operation at Namakat Village within Katilu Location recovered 100 goats, 1 magazine, AK 47 assault rifle and 11 ammos,” the police statement revealed.
“The goats which were stolen from Lochacha Village last week by suspected bandits, were later handed over to the rightful owner at GSU Camp in Kainuk in the presence of a multi-agency security team including NGAO members from Sarmach and Lochacha.”
