Four suspected bandits have been killed and 35 stolen cows recovered after security operatives foiled a cattle-rustling operation in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The operation followed intelligence that armed men had invaded a cattle camp in the community on September 11 and allegedly rustled about 40 cows.
Acting on the information, personnel of the Kwara State Police Command, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes launched a coordinated operation to track the suspects into the surrounding forest.
The suspected rustlers reportedly engaged the security operatives in a gun battle during the operation, resulting in the death of four members of the group.
Other suspects reportedly escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.
Security operatives subsequently recovered 35 of the stolen cows and a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle.
Efforts are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects, believed to have sustained injuries, while security personnel are also working to recover the remaining stolen livestock.
The operation highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing and collaboration between conventional security agencies, forest guards and community-based security groups in tackling cattle rustling, banditry and other rural crimes.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, commended the security operatives and local vigilantes for their courage, swift response and coordination.
He urged the personnel to sustain the momentum and strengthen collaboration in the ongoing fight against cattle rustling, banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.
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