Police have recovered 42 head of cattle following a recent bandit attack at Lolldaiga Conservancy in Laikipia County.
The raid occurred on Monday, June 23, 2025, when armed criminals invaded the conservancy and drove away the livestock.
In a statement shared by the National Police Service (NPS ) on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, a multi-agency security team was mobilised after receiving the report. The officers pursued the suspects to the Mukogodo area, where they encountered them and engaged in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The authorities said the bandits were eventually overpowered and fled into a nearby forest, leaving behind the stolen cattle. All 42 animals were safely recovered and returned to the conservancy.
“On Monday, 23rd June 2025, police received a report of livestock theft after armed bandits invaded Lolldaiga Conservancy. In response, a multi-agency security team was swiftly mobilised to pursue the bandits and recover the stolen animals,” the statement read in part.
Adding;
“Upon reaching the Mukogodo area, the team encountered the armed bandits, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. The bandits were overpowered and fled into a nearby forest. As a result, 42 head of cattle were recovered and safely returned to the Lolldaiga Conservancy. The National Police Service remains committed to protecting life and property and serving the public.”
Surge in banditry
This is the latest in a series of successful operations against livestock theft in bandit-prone areas.
Earlier this month, on June 12, police recovered 150 goats and sheep that had been stolen from Natiti Village in Baragoi Sub-location, Samburu County. The NPS said its officers responded swiftly after receiving the report of the attack. The team managed to intercept the suspects, leading to another intense gunfight. The bandits were subdued, and all the stolen animals were recovered and handed back to their rightful owners.
In a separate incident earlier this year, police in Turkana County recovered 100 goats during an anti-stock theft operation. The raid was conducted on January 14, 2025, in Namakat Village, Katilu Location. In addition to the livestock, officers recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, one magazine, and 11 rounds of ammunition. The goats had been stolen from Lochacha Village and were later handed over to the owner at GSU Camp in Kainuk, witnessed by a multi-agency team and local administrators.
These operations are part of a wider government campaign dubbed Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which seeks to end cattle rustling, banditry, and armed violence in nine high-risk counties. The targeted regions include Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Meru.
