Kwara: Four Suspected Cattle Rustlers Killed, 35 Stolen Cows Recovered

Four suspected cattle rustlers have been killed during a gun battle with security operatives following an attack on a cattle camp in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident occurred at about 10pm on Friday, September 11, 2026, when the suspected rustlers reportedly invaded the cattle camp, fired several shots and fled with about 40 cows.

Following the attack, personnel of the Kwara State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes mobilised to the area after receiving information about the incident.

The security team subsequently extended its operation into the surrounding forest, where it identified routes allegedly used by the fleeing suspects.

According to the police, the suspects later engaged the joint security team in a gun battle. Four members of the gang were killed, while others reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

During the operation, 35 of the stolen cows were recovered. The security operatives also recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle believed to have been in the possession of the suspects.

The remaining animals had not been recovered as of Tuesday, while security agencies continued efforts to track down the fleeing members of the gang and recover the outstanding livestock.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

The command said the operation followed credible information received after the cattle camp was invaded and the animals were reportedly rustled.

The police said, “The armed suspects subsequently engaged the joint team in a gun battle, during which four suspected members of the gang were neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

“Thirty-five of the rustled cows were recovered alongside the locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, while efforts are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining animals.”

Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, attributed the success to timely information provided by residents and the coordinated response of the various security agencies.

Adekimi said the incident demonstrated the importance of community intelligence in combating criminal activities, particularly in rural areas where difficult terrain could provide criminals with hiding places.

He said, “The outcome is further evidence of what can be achieved when communities provide useful information and security agencies respond through effective collaboration.”

The police commissioner commended the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes for their cooperation during the operation.

He noted that criminals often exploit difficult terrain and boundaries between communities to carry out attacks and evade security personnel.

Adekimi therefore stressed the need for sustained intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations across the state.

He assured residents, particularly those living in farming and other rural communities, that the police would continue to work with other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and security operations.

The commissioner also urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies, noting that such cooperation could help prevent attacks, recover stolen property and apprehend fleeing suspects.

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