A multi-agency security team has recovered 251 sheep and goats stolen by suspected bandits in Loiyangalani Sub-County, Marsabit County, in a successful operation aimed at curbing livestock theft and banditry in the region.

According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers launched a pursuit after receiving information about the stolen livestock. The operation led security personnel to the Lokilipi and Sarima areas, where they tracked the animals believed to have been driven away by the suspects.

As the pursuit intensified, officers encountered armed bandits, resulting in a confrontation marked by an exchange of gunfire.

The National Police Service said the suspects abandoned the livestock and fled the scene following the encounter.

“Officers tracked the stolen animals to the Lokilipi and Sarima areas, where they encountered armed bandits, leading to a confrontation marked by an exchange of gunfire.

This forced the suspects to abandon the livestock and flee,” the NPS said in a statement posted on its X account on June 2, 2026.

Authorities confirmed that all 251 recovered sheep and goats have since been placed under police custody as verification processes begin.

“The 251 animals have been placed under police custody pending identification, verification, and eventual handover to their rightful owners,” the statement added.

Livestock theft remains a major security and economic challenge in parts of northern Kenya, where many families depend on pastoralism as their primary source of livelihood.

Security agencies have in recent years intensified operations targeting bandit groups involved in cattle rustling, robbery, and other criminal activities.

The NPS described the operation as a significant success in ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect communities affected by stock theft.

“This successful operation serves as yet another demonstration of the National Police Service’s continued crackdown on banditry and stock theft, reaffirming its commitment to restoring security and protecting life and property,” the agency stated.

Investigations are ongoing as security officers continue efforts to trace and apprehend the suspects who escaped during the operation.