TIGANIA EAST: National Police Service (NPS) officers in Meru County have successfully recovered 204 head of cattle following a daring night raid and a high-stakes pursuit that culminated in a gun battle on Monday.

The animals, which had been driven away by rustlers under the cover of darkness, were intercepted in the Madoadoa area along the Isiolo-Gambela Road.

Acting on a prompt report, a coordinated security team tracked the trail of the stolen livestock for several hours.

Upon catching up with the suspects, a fierce exchange of fire ensued.

Officers successfully overwhelmed the rustlers during the shootout, forcing them to flee and abandon the entire herd.

All 204 animals were secured by the security team without further loss.

The livestock were escorted back to Tigania East and officially handed over to their rightful owners, restoring the primary livelihoods of the affected families.

In a statement, the National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to ending the menace of livestock theft in the region.

“We are intensifying operations through coordinated patrols, multi-agency collaboration, and strengthened community partnerships to safeguard residents and their property.”