Four suspected cattle thieves killed, 35 cows recovered in Kwara

Four suspected cattle thieves were killed in a shootout with security forces after they attacked a cattle camp in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

PUNCH Metro learned that the incident happened around 10pm on Friday, September 11, 2026. The suspects reportedly stormed the camp of a cattle owner, fired several shots, and took about 40 cows.

After the attack, the Kwara State Police, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, and local vigilantes rushed to the area after getting information about the invasion.

The combined team searched the nearby forest and found paths the suspects might have used to escape. The suspects later shot at the security operatives, leading to a gun battle where four gang members were killed. The others ran into the forest, likely injured from gunshots.

During the operation, security forces recovered thirty-five of the stolen cows. They also found a locally made AK-47 rifle with the suspects.

As of Tuesday, the remaining cows had not been found, and efforts were still ongoing to catch the fleeing suspects.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the events in a statement released on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi. The statement said the operation followed reliable information received about the cattle camp invasion and the theft of the animals.

It included, "The armed suspects later engaged the joint team in a gun battle, where four suspected gang members were neutralized, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

"Thirty-five of the stolen cows were recovered alongside the locally made AK-47 rifle, and efforts are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining animals."

The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, praised the operation's success, crediting it to quick information from residents and the coordinated actions of security agencies.

Adekimi said the event highlighted how important community information is in fighting crime, especially in rural areas where tough terrain can help criminals hide.

"This outcome shows what can happen when communities give useful information and security agencies work together effectively," he said.

The Commissioner commended the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, and local vigilantes for their teamwork during the operation. He pointed out that criminals often took advantage of rough terrain and community boundaries to launch attacks and avoid capture, stressing the need for sharing information and coordinated efforts.

Adekimi assured residents, especially in farming and rural areas, that the command would keep working with other security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and security operations across the state.

He also urged residents to keep cooperating with security agencies, reminding them that timely information could help prevent attacks, recover stolen goods, and catch fleeing suspects.