Nigeria: Four Suspected Cattle Rustlers Killed, 35 Cows Recovered in Kwara

What the report says

Four suspected cattle rustlers were killed in a gun battle with security operatives in Lade, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, according to a report published by Premium Times and distributed by AllAfrica. Police said the clash followed an attack on a cattle camp on Friday night, when the suspects allegedly drove away about 40 cows.

The Kwara State police command said officers responded with soldiers, Forest Guards and local vigilantes after receiving information from residents. The joint team tracked the suspects into a forested area, where the rustlers reportedly opened fire. Police said four suspects were killed in the exchange, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Authorities said 35 of the stolen cows were recovered, along with a locally made AK-47 rifle. The police said efforts were continuing to find the remaining animals and arrest the fleeing suspects. The commissioner of police, Ojo Adekimi, credited community intelligence and inter-agency coordination for the outcome.

The report places the incident within a wider pattern of insecurity in parts of Kwara, where rural communities and difficult terrain can be used by armed groups to evade detection. The police urged residents to keep sharing timely information to help prevent further attacks and recover stolen property.