A multi-agency team in Samburu County successfully recovered stolen livestock following an encounter with suspected bandits.

The team—comprising officers from Archers Post Police Station, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), National Police Reservists (NPR), and rangers from Sera and Kalama Conservancies—pursued the bandits, eventually making contact in the Silver area near Ol Kanjau.

A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, during which the suspects were overpowered and forced to flee, abandoning the stolen animals.

“Thanks to the bravery, coordination, and relentless efforts of the security team, all livestock were recovered unharmed and have since been returned to the rightful owner,” NPS said in a statement.

The incident comes a week after a multi-agency patrol team recovered 22 heads of cattle and 18 goats, which are believed to have been stolen after a group of unidentified assailants violently attacked traders at a livestock market near Sarmach Junction, close to the Turkwel River Bridge in Kainuk.

Reports indicate that the assailants were armed with crude weapons and stones, forcing traders to flee for their safety.

The recovered livestock were moved to the GSU Lami Nyeusi camp, where rightful owners identified and reclaimed their animals under the supervision of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO).