Security officers have recovered 35 stolen cattle following a coordinated multi-agency operation that culminated in a fierce shootout with armed bandits in the Bogi area.Twenty five security personnel and one civilian were wounded during the operation.
The bandits ambushed the security officers and opened fire on them. The officers managed to repel and overpower the bandits but not without exchanging fire with the bandits.
National Police Service (NPS) stated that the operation was initiated on June 6, the same day a stock theft was recorded at Mutuati Police Station.
A multi-agency security team pursued the suspects who had left from Moliti area of Kinna and were following their footprints and other signs that the thieves had left behind. The officers followed the trail of the cattle for about nine hours and during their pursuit they had to cross the LAPSSET corridor before reaching the Bogi area, where the bandits had reportedly established a temporary camp.
Upon detecting the approaching security team, the bandits started firing at the security teams as soon as they saw them coming, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire that was quite intense. The officers put up a good fight and were able to subdue the bandits, who then ran away.
During their escape, the suspects abandoned during the confrontation which made it possible for the police to get back the entire herd of 35 cattle.
Thereafter, the cattle were secured and returned to their owners.
The National Police Service said an intelligence-led operation that led to the security team engaging the bandits and that the search for the other bandits who managed to escape is still ongoing. The authorities also added that they’re working to restore peace to the area and to prevent more cases of livestock theft.
NPS applauded the officers that were part of the operation for their quick response, high level of professionalism, and commitment that led to the recovery of the stolen animals and saving the livelihoods of the local communities.
“Based on intelligence, a security operation is continuing in the area to apprehend the bandits who have fled and to restore law and order of the area, ” police stated in a communication.
Livestock theft is still a major security problem in some areas of northern Kenya.
