Kenya’s security agencies have recovered eight cattle stolen along the Kenya–Ethiopia border after a swift joint operation involving officers from both countries.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 11, 2025, the National Police Service said the recovery happened a day earlier at Lowaat border point, which lies between Kibish in Turkana County and Dassanech Woreda in Ethiopia.

The livestock, suspected to have been taken from Welegech in Turkana on August 6 by armed bandits, was traced across the border through a coordinated multi-agency pursuit. The operation brought together security teams from both sides, local chiefs, Turkana County officials, and Ethiopian counterparts.

The mission was led by Kokuro Assistant County Commissioner Evans Kimoni and the Deputy Officer Commanding Station at Kokuro Police Station. Authorities confirmed the cattle were retrieved without incident and officially handed back to the Kenyan administration.

According to the National Police Service, the recovery not only returned stolen property to its rightful owners but also demonstrated the value of joint security work in combating cross-border crimes such as livestock theft and banditry.

Both Kenyan and Ethiopian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening peace and security structures along the often-volatile border.

The cross-border operation coincided with a high-level security tour in northern Kenya over the weekend.

Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat and his Administration Police counterpart, Gilbert Masengeli, led the visit to Mandera and Wajir counties to assess security and boost cooperation among agencies.

During the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, where discussions focused on challenges such as cross-border attacks, terrorism threats from Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants, and recurring incidents of banditry.

A subsequent security briefing at the Mandera County Police Headquarters brought together local commanders and administrators, where officials emphasised the need for close collaboration between national and county security systems, neighbouring countries, and communities along the frontier.

Authorities say residents of border areas in northern Kenya continue to face frequent raids, livestock theft, and sporadic armed clashes — threats that require constant vigilance and united action across borders.