Police recover livestock after fiery exchange of fire with bandits
The National Police Service, in yet another victory against banditry attacks in the North Rift Region, confirmed the recovery of more livestock in the Kiambogo area of Tigania East.
Through its X handle on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, NPS said the recovery was achieved after a dramatic shootout between the bandits and a team of elite police squads.
Fierce shootout
You might also like
According to police, the incident followed a stock theft report in the Kiambogo area of Tigania East on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
A combined patrol team drawn from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), National Police Reservists (NPR), Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Kenya Police Service (KPS) was immediately dispatched to pursue the armed suspects.
The officers tracked the bandits to Arow Dam in Gambela, where they engaged them in a fierce exchange of fire. The armed criminals were eventually overpowered, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock before fleeing into nearby thickets.
“Following a report of stock theft in the Kiambogo area on 19th August 2025, a combined patrol team of National Police Service officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), National Police Reservists (NPR), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Kenya Police Service (KPS) was immediately dispatched to pursue the suspects.
“The team encountered the bandits at Arow Dam, Gambela location, where a fierce exchange of fire ensued. The bandits were overpowered, abandoned the stolen animals, and fled,” part of the NPS statement read.
Stolen animals recovered
In the operation, 145 cows and 5 donkeys were successfully recovered and later handed over to their rightful owners.
Police indicated that the pursuit of the fleeing bandits is still ongoing and assured that more recoveries and arrests would be made in the coming days.
The NPS further commended the officers involved for their courage and commitment to restoring peace in the volatile region.
They also praised the public for providing timely information that led to the successful operation.
“The National Police Service commends the police officers for their commitment and the public for providing information that led to the successful recovery of the stolen animals,” the statement added.
Security officials have maintained that the crackdown against banditry will continue until peace and stability are fully restored in the region.
