The National Police Service (NPS) has recovered 956 goats, 10 cattle and three donkeys following separate banditry raids in Isiolo and Meru counties as security agencies intensify operations against livestock theft.
The recoveries were made on Monday, October 26, 2026, during coordinated security operations involving officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and multi-agency security teams.
In the first incident, armed bandits raided Gotu in Isiolo County, prompting a swift response from ASTU officers based in Gotu and their security partners.
The officers recovered 256 goats during the operation, while the search for the remaining stolen livestock continued.
In a separate incident, security officers from ASTU Kisima and other agencies responded to a banditry raid at Maili Tano, along the Meru–Isiolo border.
With support from aerial surveillance, the security team pursued the suspected bandits and intercepted them in the Dam area.
An intense exchange of gunfire ensued before the officers recovered 700 goats, 10 cattle and three donkeys.
The two operations brought the total number of recovered livestock to 969 animals, comprising 956 goats, 10 cattle and three donkeys.
The National Police Service reiterated its commitment to combating banditry and livestock theft, vowing to sustain security operations in affected regions.
“Operation Maliza Uhalifu will continue to intensify across all affected regions to dismantle these criminal networks completely,” the NPS said.
The latest recoveries underscore ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb livestock raids, which have contributed to insecurity and disrupted livelihoods in pastoral communities across northern Kenya.
Authorities have continued to deploy multi-agency teams to pursue suspected raiders, recover stolen livestock and restore security in affected areas.
