A multi-agency security team with some of the recovered livestock/ HANDOUT

Multi-agency security teams have recovered 3,075 sheep and goats following separate operations targeting livestock theft in Marsabit, Samburu and Isiolo counties.

The recoveries were made on November 2 and 3, 2026, during security operations involving officers deployed under the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu.

In the latest operation on November 3, security officers in Loiyangalani Sub-County, Marsabit County, recovered 3,000 sheep and goats stolen from herders who were moving their livestock from Mouwokiteng towards Lardapach.

According to the National Police Service (NPS), the herders were ambushed by suspected armed bandits who seized the animals and began driving them towards Arapal.

"The National Police Service highly commends the efforts of our partners in the multi-agency security team and the local community for their seamless collaboration, which led to the success of these operations," the NPS stated.

A multi-agency response team was subsequently mobilised and launched an operation to pursue the attackers, successfully intercepting them and recovering all the stolen animals.

The recovery followed another operation conducted on November 2 after security officers received intelligence about a livestock theft incident in Archers Post, Samburu East.

The suspects had reportedly stolen a herd of sheep and goats and were driving the animals towards the Manyatta Zebra area of Isiolo County.

Officers stationed in Shaba, working alongside other security agencies, launched a pursuit after receiving the information and tracked the suspects to the Oltungai Plateau.

An exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the suspected bandits to flee and abandon the livestock.

Security officers recovered 75 sheep and goats during the operation, with the NPS confirming that all the animals had been positively identified and returned to their rightful owners.

The two operations bring the total number of recovered animals to 3,075, according to the police statement.

Operation Maliza Uhalifu is a multi-agency security initiative targeting banditry, livestock theft and the proliferation of illegal firearms in parts of northern Kenya.

The operation brings together security agencies, including the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, National Government Administration Officers and National Police Reservists, alongside local communities.

The Ministry of Defence has previously highlighted the importance of working with community elders and local leaders to address the underlying causes of insecurity, strengthen cooperation and promote peaceful coexistence across affected counties.

The NPS has continued to emphasise the importance of public cooperation and timely intelligence in supporting security operations and preventing criminal activities.