Security officers in Tigania East Sub-County have successfully recovered 204 head of cattle stolen during a night raid, following a rapid and coordinated police operation, the National Police Service confirmed on Monday.
According to the police, the theft occurred under the cover of darkness, with armed rustlers driving livestock out of local homesteads.
Prompt reports from the community enabled officers to track the stolen animals to Madoadoa along the Isiolo–Gambela Road.
There, police intercepted the suspects, resulting in a brief but intense exchange of fire before the rustlers abandoned the cattle.
“All the recovered animals were secured and returned to their owners,” the National Police Service said, highlighting the importance of swift action and community intelligence in curbing livestock theft.
Livestock theft has long been a significant security concern in Meru and neighboring counties, affecting both household livelihoods and local economies.
The crimes are often linked to organized groups that exploit porous county borders to evade capture. In recent years, such incidents have prompted the government to strengthen inter-county coordination and increase patrols in rural areas.
The police emphasized that combating cattle rustling requires continued cooperation between authorities and local residents.
“We urge members of the public to report any suspicious activity immediately,” the National Police Service advised, noting that timely tips have been crucial in recovering stolen livestock in previous operations.
Community leaders in Tigania East welcomed the recovery, describing the police response as a boost to local confidence in law enforcement.
They highlighted that livestock forms the backbone of many households’ incomes and that prompt recovery helps prevent financial losses and social tension in affected villages.
The operation reflects a broader national strategy by the National Police Service to strengthen security in rural communities.
Through a combination of targeted patrols, multi-agency collaboration, and engagement with local leaders, authorities aim to reduce livestock-related crimes and safeguard residents’ livelihoods.
As investigations continue, the police are working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the raid.
This incident shows the persistent challenge of cattle rustling in Kenya and the role of both community vigilance and proactive policing in addressing it.