Joint security forces have killed two suspected armed cattle raiders and recovered a firearm and six stolen cattle during an intelligence-led operation in Kaabong District. The operation was conducted on Saturday morning following the reported theft of livestock in Lolelia South Sub-county.
According to security officials, joint forces tracked down a group of armed suspects after receiving credible intelligence from members of the public. During the encounter, a crossfire reportedly broke out, leading to the death of two suspected warriors.
Security personnel recovered one SMG rifle at the scene and also rescued six head of cattle believed to have been stolen during the raid. Mt. Moroto Regional Police spokesperson Michael Longole confirmed the incident, saying the recovered gun and livestock are being kept as exhibits pending further investigations.
The identities of the deceased suspects had not yet been established by press time. Longole said joint security operations aimed at restoring peace and disarming armed cattle raiders across the Karamoja sub-region have been intensified.
“The joint security forces commend members of the public for providing timely information that led to this successful recovery. We urge continued cooperation with security agencies to rid the region of illegal guns and cattle theft, which undermine peace and security,” Longole said.
Authorities note that isolated cases of cattle theft continue to be reported in parts of Kaabong despite ongoing security operations. Security agencies have previously accused armed Jie warriors from Kotido District of carrying out raids in Kaabong and attempting to blame Turkana pastoralists for the attacks.
In recent months, joint forces announced that Turkana herdsmen had been pushed out of Kaabong District following rising insecurity. However, investigations later suggested that some attacks were being orchestrated by local armed warriors disguising themselves as hunters and charcoal burners while planning raids. Security forces say operations in suspected hotspot areas will continue as part of efforts to restore stability in the region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
