Security officers in Meru County have successfully recovered seventy-seven stolen cattle following a fierce gunfight with suspected rustlers in Tigania East.
The incident took place on the night of August 13, 2025, after the livestock were stolen from two residents in the area. Reports indicate that the cattle rustlers drove the animals towards Ngato Dam before being intercepted by a coordinated security team.
The operation involved multiple security units, including officers from Kangeta Police Station, the General Service Unit (GSU), the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), and the National Police Reservists. Working together, the teams swiftly tracked the suspects after the theft was reported, closing in on them near the dam.
Upon arrival, the officers encountered heavy resistance as the rustlers engaged them in a gunfight. Despite the intense exchange of fire, the security units managed to overpower the suspects without losing any of the stolen animals. The cattle were safely secured and transported to Ndomuru Police Station.
At the station, the rightful owners identified all seventy-seven cattle and confirmed that none were missing. The recovery marked a significant victory in the ongoing fight against livestock theft in the region, a crime that has long plagued communities in parts of northern and eastern Kenya.
Authorities emphasized that the success of the operation was the result of swift response, teamwork, and close coordination between various security branches. They also reaffirmed their commitment to working with local communities to combat cattle rustling, safeguard livelihoods, and enhance security in rural areas.
The incident highlights the persistent challenge of cattle rustling in Meru and other pastoralist regions, where livestock is a key economic asset and a source of cultural pride. Security agencies continue to urge residents to report thefts promptly, as timely action greatly improves the chances of recovery.
The recovered livestock have since been returned to their owners, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the suspects who fled during the confrontation. Authorities have vowed to sustain similar operations to deter future thefts and maintain peace in the affected areas.
