Over the past five years, the Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) has made significant strides in dismantling armed cattle rustling networks, with the recovery of 1,354 guns.
Between 2021 and 2025, the specialized police unit carried out targeted operations in rustling-prone areas, disarming violent gangs that have long terrorized communities.
Alongside the firearms, ASTU seized 10,147 rounds of ammunition, further weakening the firepower of criminal groups.
The operations resulted in the arrest of 4,727 suspected cattle rustlers and the recovery of 460,889 stolen livestock, much of which was returned to rightful owners.
ASTU’s mandate also extended to other forms of illegal trade closely linked to rustling activities.
The unit impounded 8,962 jerrycans of illicit waragi and intercepted 9,610 bags of charcoal, which were handed over to the National Forestry Authority as part of a broader environmental protection effort.
The figures paint a picture of a sustained campaign in which disarming criminals was key to restoring security in affected regions, while simultaneously tackling economic and environmental crimes connected to the livestock theft trade.
