Three arrested as six elephant tusks recovered in Laikipia anti-poaching raid

The National Police Service (NPS) said the suspects were arrested on June 23, 2026, by officers from Jikaze Police Post working jointly with officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

According to the NPS, the operation led to the recovery of six elephant tusks, which have since been secured as exhibits.

The suspects were placed in custody pending their arraignment in court.

The arrests come amid continued efforts by security and wildlife agencies to crack down on poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife trophies, which remain a major threat to conservation efforts in the country.

In a statement, the NPS said poaching continues to endanger Kenya’s wildlife resources and has far-reaching consequences for both the environment and the economy.

“Poaching poses a serious threat to Kenya’s wildlife heritage, decimating endangered species, disrupting ecosystems, and undermining vital conservation efforts that support biodiversity, tourism, and local livelihoods,” the service said.

The latest operation follows another recent wildlife trafficking case reported in Migori County.

On June 17, a 58-year-old man was charged after he was allegedly found in possession of wildlife trophies weighing about 18.5 kilogrammes and valued at approximately Sh2 million.

The suspect was arrested by Kenya Wildlife Service officers in Isebania following an intelligence-led operation conducted on June 13 at Kumumwamu in Kuria West Sub-County.

Authorities said he was allegedly found with five cut pieces of elephant tusks and a hippopotamus tooth wrapped in a sack.

The case highlighted the continued demand for wildlife trophies, particularly elephant tusks, which fetch high prices on the black market and continue to fuel illegal wildlife trafficking networks.

Against this backdrop, the National Police Service said it will continue strengthening collaboration with partner agencies to protect wildlife and dismantle criminal networks involved in poaching and trafficking.

“The National Police Service remains committed to supporting wildlife conservation by working closely with partner agencies to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking,” the statement said.

The service also called on members of the public to support conservation efforts by sharing information with authorities.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods to the nearest police station,” NPS said.