Four Suspected Bandits Killed as Security Forces Recover 35 Rustled Cows in Kwara

Four suspected bandits have been killed during a joint security operation in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, following an attack on a cattle camp that resulted in the reported rustling of about 40 cows.

The development was confirmed by the Kwara State Police Command in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi. The operation involved personnel of the Police, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes.

According to the police account, credible information reached security authorities at about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, that armed men had invaded a cattle camp in Lade. The attackers reportedly fired sporadically before escaping with approximately 40 cows.

Following the report, the joint security team mobilised and pursued the suspected cattle rustlers into the surrounding forest. Operatives reportedly identified routes believed to have been used by the fleeing group as part of efforts to intercept them and recover the stolen livestock.

The pursuit eventually resulted in an exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the security personnel. Police said four suspected members of the group were killed during the confrontation, while other members reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

At the conclusion of the operation, security operatives recovered 35 of the approximately 40 cattle reported stolen during the attack. A locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was also recovered from the suspects, according to the police statement.

The recovery means that five of the cattle initially reported stolen had not been accounted for in the police’s statement. Security personnel have consequently continued efforts to locate the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining livestock.

The incident has also highlighted the role of information supplied by local communities in responding to rural security incidents. The police said the operation benefited from cooperation among conventional security agencies, Forest Guards and community-based vigilantes.

CP Adekimi commended the personnel involved in the operation, particularly the Police, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes, for their coordination and response. He said criminals can exploit difficult terrain and boundaries between communities, making intelligence sharing and coordinated operations important to security efforts.

The Commissioner further assured residents, particularly those in rural and farming communities, that the command would continue strengthening intelligence gathering and cooperation with other security agencies to protect lives, livelihoods and property across Kwara State.

The latest operation adds to ongoing security efforts against cattle rustling and other rural crimes in the state, with authorities continuing to pursue the suspects who escaped from the forest and working to account for the remaining cattle. The police said the case remains under investigation.