Four suspected cattle rustlers have been killed in a gun battle with security operatives after armed men invaded a cattle camp in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, and escaped with about 40 cows.
The dramatic operation also led to the recovery of 35 of the stolen cattle and a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, while other members of the gang reportedly fled into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
The incident occurred at about 10pm on Friday, September 11, when the suspected rustlers allegedly stormed the cattle camp, belonging to a livestock owner, opened fire and drove away the animals.
Following information about the attack, personnel of the Kwara State Police Command, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes mobilised to the area and launched a joint operation.
The security team reportedly traced the routes believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects and extended the search into the surrounding forest.
The operation soon turned into a gun battle after the suspects engaged the security operatives.
Four members of the gang were killed during the exchange of fire, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the development yesterday in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
The command said the operation followed credible intelligence received after the cattle camp was attacked and the animals rustled.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that 35 of the rustled cows were recovered alongside the locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining animals.
Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, attributed the successful operation to prompt information from residents and effective collaboration among the security agencies.
Adekimi stressed that community intelligence remained critical to combating criminal activities, particularly in rural areas where criminals often exploit difficult terrain as hideouts.
“The outcome is further evidence of what can be achieved when communities provide useful information and security agencies respond through effective collaboration,” he said.
The police commissioner commended the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes for their support during the operation.
He noted that criminal gangs often exploit forests, difficult terrains and boundaries between communities to attack residents and evade security personnel.
Adekimi therefore urged residents, particularly those in farming and rural communities, to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
He assured residents that the police command would sustain collaboration with other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and security operations across Kwara State.
The latest incident comes amid continuing security concerns in rural parts of the state, where criminal gangs have increasingly exploited forests and other difficult-to-access areas to carry out attacks and evade arrest.
