Three suspects have been arrested after being found in possession of six pieces of elephant tusks during a joint anti-poaching operation conducted on June 23, 2026.
In a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), officers from Jikaze Police Post, working together with the Kenya Wildlife Service (Kenya Wildlife Service), said the suspects were intercepted during a coordinated multi-agency operation.
The suspects are currently in custody awaiting arraignment in court, while the recovered tusks have been secured as exhibits.
“Yesterday, 23 June 2026, police officers from Jikaze Police Post, in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers, arrested three suspects in possession of six pieces of elephant tusks during a successful multi-agency operation,” NPS said.
NPS added: “The suspects have been placed in custody pending arraignment in court, while the seized tusks have been secured as exhibits.”
Authorities said the arrest underscores ongoing efforts to curb poaching, which continues to pose a major threat to Kenya’s wildlife heritage through the killing of endangered species and disruption of ecosystems.
Poaching has also been linked to negative impacts on biodiversity, tourism and local livelihoods, which depend heavily on wildlife conservation.
“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 National Police Service reiterated its commitment to supporting conservation efforts through collaboration with partner agencies to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
