A joint security operation in Laikipia County has ended in success after a multi-agency team recovered stolen livestock that had been reported missing from Segera Location in Laikipia West Sub-County.

The 13 recovered cows were handed back to their rightful owners following verification procedures to confirm ownership, bringing relief to a community where livestock theft can be devastating to livelihoods.

“This operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in addressing livestock theft, a crime that significantly affects livelihoods in pastoral communities,” NPS said in a statement.

Authorities noted that sustained vigilance and close collaboration between security agencies and local communities will be critical in curbing such crimes and maintaining safety across Laikipia County.

The recovery comes against the backdrop of a wider government offensive against banditry in the region.

On February 12, the government announced a major security operation in Mukogodo Forest targeting armed bandits accused of terrorising residents and making off with livestock.

Speaking at the launch of the operation at Kurum Chief’s Camp in Laikipia North Sub-County, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the mission would be executed by the Kenya Police Service with backing from the Kenya Defence Forces.

He dismissed the bandits as a small group of armed criminals whose activities had held back the region’s progress, vowing that the operation would not let up until they were rooted out and peace fully restored.

“These are just a few criminals with guns who are holding back our region, but we will not relent until they are flushed out and peace is restored in Laikipia,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen, who was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and his deputy Gilbert Masengeli, said intelligence points to many of the armed bandits originating from the neighbouring counties of Samburu and Isiolo.

The operation emphasizes the value of inter-agency collaboration in tackling cattle rustling and livestock theft, crimes that continue to threaten the economic survival of pastoral communities across the region.

Security agencies have called for sustained cooperation and community vigilance as key pillars in deterring criminal activity and maintaining peace and security across Laikipia County.