Four suspected cattle rustlers have been killed during a gun battle with security operatives after armed men invaded a cattle camp in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
PUNCH Online gathered that the incident occurred at about 10 pm on Friday, September 11, 2026, when the suspected rustlers reportedly invaded the camp of a cattle owner, fired several shots and fled with about 40 cows.
Following the attack, personnel of the Kwara State Police Command, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes mobilised to the area after receiving information about the incident.
The joint security team reportedly extended its operation into the surrounding forest, while operatives identified routes believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.
The suspects subsequently engaged the security operatives in a gun battle, during which four members of the gang were killed, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
Thirty-five of the cows taken from the camp were recovered during the operation, while the security team also recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspected rustlers.
The remaining livestock had yet to be recovered as of Tuesday, while security operatives were said to have intensified efforts to locate the fleeing members of the gang.
The development was confirmed by the Kwara State Police Command in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
The statement said the operation was triggered by credible information received by the command concerning the invasion of the cattle camp and the subsequent rustling of the animals.
It read in part, “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.
“35 of the rustled cows were recovered alongside the locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, adding that efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining animals.”
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, attributed the outcome to the prompt sharing of information by residents and the coordinated response of the security agencies.
Adekimi said the incident showed the importance of community intelligence in tackling criminal activities, particularly in rural areas where difficult terrain could provide cover for criminals.
“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 cooperation with the command during the operation.
According to him, criminals often exploit difficult terrains and boundaries between communities to carry out attacks and evade security operatives, making intelligence sharing and coordinated operations important in tackling such crimes.
The latest incident comes amid continued security concerns in parts of Kwara, particularly rural communities where criminal gangs have exploited forests and other difficult-to-access areas.
Adekimi assured residents, especially those in farming and rural communities, that the police command would continue to work with other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and security operations across the state.
He also called for continued cooperation from residents, stressing that timely information could help security agencies prevent attacks, recover stolen property and apprehend fleeing criminals.