Police recover stolen livestock after fierce gunfire exchange
By Cynthia Lodite, March 14, 2026The National Police Service has confirmed the recovery of at least twenty-seven cows stolen from the Naibala area in Meru County.
In a statement by the National Police Service (NPS) official X account on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the law enforcement agency confirmed that the heads of cattle were recovered in Isiolo County.
“Officers from the National Police Service in Isiolo yesterday successfully recovered stolen livestock following a meticulous, intelligence-led security operation,” NPS said.
Gunfire exchange
The animals, which had earlier been reported stolen from the Naibala area in Meru County, were recovered after the security team overwhelmed the bandits in a fierce exchange of fire at the Tractor area in Isiolo County.
According to the National Police Service, all twenty-seven heads of cattle were recovered and escorted to Lowangila Police Station, where they were positively identified and handed over to their rightful owners.
On the other hand, the officers have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the theft. Meanwhile, police officers have intensified patrols in the area to deter stock theft and any other criminal activity.
“The National Police Service continues to urge members of the public to report suspicious activities,” NPS added.
13 cows recovered
The Isiolo recovery comes days after the police recovered 13 cows previously stolen in Laikipia County following a coordinated operation by a multi-agency security team.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, March 12, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said the livestock had earlier been reported stolen from Segera Location in Laikipia West Sub-County.
According to the police, officers launched a security operation after receiving reports about the theft and managed to trace and recover the animals.
“A coordinated security operation carried out by a multi-agency team in Laikipia County has resulted in the successful recovery of livestock that had earlier been reported stolen from Segera Location in Laikipia West Sub-County,” the National Police Service said in the statement.
After the recovery, officers carried out verification procedures to confirm the rightful owner before handing over the animals.
“Following the recovery, the 13 cows were handed over to the rightful owner after the necessary verification procedures to confirm ownership,” the statement added.
Livestock theft remains a serious problem in several pastoral regions across the country, where many families depend on cattle and goats for their livelihoods. Police say cooperation between security agencies has helped improve responses to such incidents.
The NPS said the latest operation demonstrates how joint efforts between different security units can help curb livestock theft.
“This operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in addressing livestock theft, a crime that significantly affects livelihoods in pastoral communities,” the police noted.
Authorities also called on communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“Continued cooperation and vigilance remain essential in deterring criminal activities and ensuring that communities across Laikipia County remain safe and secure,” the police said.