Detectives in Isiolo have recovered two AK-47 rifles linked to a fatal attack that left three National Police Reservists (NPR) dead in Igembe North, Meru County. The firearms were seized during a joint operation led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Crime Scene Investigation team. The operation took place in Lemorijo Village, located in the Lengurma area of Isiolo North sub-county.
The weapons were found with empty magazines, and their recovery is considered a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the brutal assault. The attack occurred on April 7, 2025, when the three NPR officers were fatally shot by armed raiders in Igembe North. The firearms recovered are believed to have been used in the attack.
This successful recovery was the result of collaboration between the DCI, local law enforcement, members of the public, and the local administration. It was a coordinated effort that enabled the authorities to track down the firearms. The investigation is ongoing, and the case remains under close scrutiny by the DCI Igembe North team, who are leading the probe.
In the wake of the incident, authorities reported that the three police reservists were killed during a violent gun battle with bandits who had attacked the Mea area of Igembe North. The bandits not only killed the officers but also stole their firearms, which were later recovered. In addition to the tragic deaths, several other police reservists were injured during the assault.
The Meru County Commissioner confirmed the attack, describing it as a fierce confrontation that led to the loss of the officers’ lives. However, authorities were able to recover all the stolen livestock from the raiders. Despite the loss, the swift response by security forces ensured that the animals were returned to their rightful owners.
Following the recovery of the rifles, detectives praised the efforts of the officers involved in the operation. They assured the public that the investigation would continue, and updates would be provided as new developments emerged. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in rural areas, where armed banditry and livestock theft have long been persistent problems.
The DCI has emphasized that the recovery of the firearms is a key development in the fight against banditry and organized crime in the region. While the incident has left a somber mark on the local community, authorities are hopeful that further progress in the investigation will lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators. The continued collaboration between security agencies and local communities is seen as crucial in addressing the security challenges that affect the region.
The tragic deaths of the three NPR officers have brought to light the risks faced by law enforcement officers who are tasked with maintaining peace and order in vulnerable areas. As the investigation continues, the DCI has reiterated its commitment to bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice and ensuring that such incidents do not undermine the efforts to protect the lives and property of local residents.
The recovery of the AK-47 rifles is just one part of a broader strategy to combat insecurity in Meru County and surrounding areas. The ongoing investigations are expected to shed more light on the criminal networks behind the attacks, and authorities remain determined to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
