Four suspected Bandits killed as Security Forces recover 35 rustled cows in Kwara

By Ahmed Olayinka

Four suspected bandits have been killed while 35 rustled cows and an AK-47 rifle were recovered during a joint security operation in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The operation followed intelligence that armed men had invaded a cattle camp on September 11 and allegedly rustled about 40 cows.

Following the report, personnel of the Kwara State Police Command, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes launched a coordinated pursuit of the suspects into the surrounding forest.

The suspected bandits reportedly engaged the security operatives in a gun battle, during which four of them were killed. Other members of the group were said to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

At the end of the operation, 35 of the stolen cows were recovered, alongside an AK-47 rifle said to be locally fabricated.

Security personnel have intensified efforts to track the fleeing suspects, who are believed to have sustained gunshot injuries, as well as recover the remaining livestock.

THE PRIME NEWS gathered that the operation highlights the role of intelligence gathering and collaboration among 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, CP Ojo Adekimi, commended the security personnel and local vigilantes for their courage, coordination and prompt response.

He urged them to sustain the momentum and strengthen collaborative efforts in the ongoing fight against cattle rustling, banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.