A joint security operation in Samburu County on Friday led to the recovery of 59 stolen animals following a livestock theft incident in the Marti area.

The operation, which brought together personnel from the National Police Service (NPS), the General Service Unit (GSU), and National Police Reservists (NPR), was launched in response to a report of stolen livestock from a herder in the Nchalai area of Angata Nanyuki.

According to a statement from the NPS, the rustlers armed with AK-47 rifles were intercepted, sparking a gunfight with the security officers.

The team managed to subdue the attackers, safely rescue the herder, and recover all the stolen livestock, which were later returned to their rightful owner.

The police emphasized their continued vigilance in protecting communities from livestock theft and reiterated their resolve to bring perpetrators to justice.

Elsewhere, in Narok County's Angata Barikoi area, 11 stolen cattle were recovered on May 21 after a dramatic nighttime pursuit.

Officers from local police posts, together with the livestock owner and the assistant chief, tracked the rustlers’ footprints under darkness, eventually catching up with them near the Miti Mingi Bridge.

The suspects fled after a brief confrontation, abandoning the livestock, which were then safely returned to the owner.