Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A joint security operation in Kwara State has led to the recovery of 35 stolen cows and the killing of four suspected cattle rustlers following an attack on a cattle camp in Patigi Local Government Area.
The operation was launched after armed men invaded a cattle camp in Lade community on the night of September 11, 2026, and fled with about 40 cows after firing several gunshots.
Acting on information about the attack, personnel of the police, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes mobilised to the area and tracked the suspects into nearby forests.
Security operatives extended the search across routes believed to have been used by the fleeing gang, leading to a confrontation with the suspects.
According to the Kwara State Police Command, the suspected rustlers engaged the joint security team in a gun battle during the operation.
“The armed suspects subsequently engaged the joint team in a gun battle, during which four suspected members of the gang were neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.”
The police said 35 of the stolen cows were recovered during the operation, while a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was also seized from the suspects.
“35 of the rustled cows were recovered alongside the locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, adding that efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining animals.”
The command noted that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining livestock.
Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, attributed the success of the operation to timely information provided by residents and effective collaboration among security agencies.
“The outcome is further evidence of what can be achieved when communities provide useful information and security agencies respond through effective collaboration,” he said.
Adekimi commended the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes for their support, noting that coordinated security operations remain crucial in tackling cattle rustling and other crimes in rural communities.
He explained that criminals often take advantage of forests and difficult terrain to evade arrest, making intelligence gathering and community cooperation vital to security efforts.
The police commissioner assured residents, particularly farmers and livestock owners, that security agencies would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and joint operations aimed at combating criminal activities across Kwara State.
