Police repel bandits and recover 100 head of livestock in Isiolo
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 18, 2026Multi-agency security teams in Isiolo have repelled armed bandits and recovered 100 livestock during an operation in Kona Village, Ngaremara, under the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu crackdown on livestock theft and banditry.
In a statement on their X handle on Monday, May 18, 2026, the National Police Service has said that the attack occurred when bandits raided livestock, and the locals panicked, their sheep and goats being driven away by the attackers in the large and rugged area.
“Operation Maliza Uhalifu continues to record significant progress in the fight against banditry and livestock theft as multi-agency security teams intensify operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting livelihoods in affected regions. The sustained operation has seen security personnel maintain heightened vigilance, rapid response mechanisms and coordinated patrols in areas prone to criminal attacks,” NPS stated in a statement.
“It was within this security framework that an incident unfolded yesterday in Kona Village, Ngaremara, Isiolo County, when suspected bandits raided livestock belonging to local herders. The attack sparked fear and tension as the armed criminals attempted to drive away the animals under the cover of the vast, rugged terrain,” the NPS added.
According to the NPS, the security officers immediately responded to the raid and started an organised chase to locate the suspects and stop the escaped animals from reaching the hide-outs. The officers were able to track and pursue the escaping animals and recover 100 sheep and goats from their hands. Livestock were locked up and returned, disrupting the bandits’ operations.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu crackdown
NPS further stated that the security agencies pointed to better coordination, better response mechanisms and more patrols under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which has continued to crack the activity of insecurity hotspots across the region, as credit for this success.
The NPS has urged the public to work closely with security agencies, ensuring that they provide accurate and timely information to facilitate continued operations that will target criminal networks and prevent future attacks.
The authorities reiterated their promise of continued security operations in Isiolo and other affected areas to bring about lasting peace, safeguard livelihoods and keep local communities safe.