Senegal: Cattle Rustling Gang Busted in Kaolack Region

Cattle Rustling Ring Busted in Senegal’s Kaolack Region

Kaolack, Senegal – Senegalese authorities in the Kaolack region have arrested members of a gang specializing in cattle theft, following a surge in reported incidents. The arrests, carried out by officers from the Nioro du Rip urban police station, represent a significant step in addressing a growing security concern for local herders.

The operation was launched on the night of February 12, 2026, after police acted on operational intelligence indicating a hideout for the thieves in the village of Keur Mala, within the commune of Thiaré. According to a statement from Divisional Commissioner Souleymane Ba, head of the regional public security service, the gang was conducting nighttime raids in Nioro du Rip to steal cattle, which they then concealed in enclosures in Keur Mala.

The intervention by the research brigade led to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of eight sheep, reportedly stolen from Nioro du Rip. The recovered animals had been hidden in enclosures located in Keur Mala.

Investigators found evidence of a “structured organization” during questioning. One of the suspects admitted to being contacted by an accomplice based in Nioro du Rip, who was tasked with identifying potential targets and “preparing the ground” for the thefts.

Initially reluctant to cooperate, due to being actively sought by the Nioro du Rip Gendarmerie Brigade for a similar theft in Porokhane, the suspect eventually identified a third party. This individual, provided with precise details about the location of the enclosures, allegedly carried out the theft on the night of last Wednesday.

Based on the “serious and consistent evidence,” the suspects have been placed in custody on charges of criminal association, nighttime cattle theft using a means of transport, and possession of white weapons.

The rise in cattle rustling has been a growing problem in Senegal, particularly in the southern regions bordering Guinea-Bissau. A report from January to August 2025 indicated that the department of Goudomp alone reported the disappearance of 764 animals, with only 310 recovered. This has led to frustration among breeders, who face administrative hurdles and corruption when attempting to recover stolen livestock in neighboring Guinea-Bissau. The thefts represent a significant economic loss for families, impacting food security, education funds, and social ceremonies.

The issue extends beyond a local security concern, evolving into a broader diplomatic and social challenge. While national legislation prescribes severe penalties – five to ten years in prison – for cattle theft, the porous borders and cross-border trafficking continue to undermine enforcement efforts.

In November 2025, authorities in the Fatick region dismantled a similar gang that had stolen eight oxen from the village imam, Mr. Diouf, over two separate incidents. The investigation led to the arrest of six individuals, including the gang’s driver and several receivers, and the recovery of the stolen animals.

West African states, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), recently launched a regional offensive to combat cattle rustling, recognizing it as a serious cross-border security threat linked to organized crime and the financing of armed groups. This coordinated response aims to address the issue at a regional level and disrupt the networks involved in cattle theft.