Police recover stolen camels in Turkana after coordinated operation

Police recover stolen camels in Turkana after coordinated operation

The police commended the community for its cooperation and urged continued partnership in combating livestock theft and banditry in the North Rift.

Police in Turkana County have recovered ten camels stolen by armed bandits while grazing in the Kataruk area of Loima Sub-County, following a coordinated security operation involving local communities and law enforcement.

"Following the report, a joint security team comprising officers from Lokichar and Lorugum Police Stations, working closely with local community members, pursued the suspects towards the Kalodicha and Kangisaja areas," said the National Police Service (NPS) in a statement.

The operation led to the recovery of all stolen camels and the arrest of one suspect, while two others escaped.

The recovered animals have been positively identified and returned to their rightful owner, while the arrested suspect remains in police custody pending processing and court arraignment.

The NPS has commended the community for its cooperation and urged continued partnership in combating livestock theft and banditry in the North Rift.

"Members of the public are encouraged to continue sharing information to support security efforts. This can be done by reporting to the nearest police facility, using the toll-free lines 999, 911, and 112, or anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800," said NPS.

The operation in Turkana mirrors recent successes in northern Kenya, including a separate recovery in Marsabit County, where 17 goats stolen in Laisamis were traced to the remote Muguri Naarok area, approximately 57 kilometres south of Laisamis Police Station.

A joint team comprising Laisamis Police Station officers, National Government Administration Officers, National Police Reservists, and village elders led the operation.

One suspect was arrested and is awaiting arraignment, while the recovered animals were taken to the police station for identification and return to their owner.

Livestock theft remains a major security challenge for pastoralist communities in northern Kenya, particularly in counties such as Turkana, Marsabit, and Samburu, where livestock forms the backbone of local livelihoods.

Police say rapid response and close collaboration with communities are critical in curbing banditry and protecting livelihoods.

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