Detectives have arrested two suspected Al-shabaab terrorists in Mandera as they were planning an operation within the county.
In a statement dated February 18, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said anti-terrorism police in Mandera East arrested two who had planned the abduction of a team of foreign nationals working at a sewer line construction site within Mandera township.
The detectives who were acting on intelligence swiftly arrested the prime suspect, Isaac Abdi Mohamed, alias Kharan Abdi Hassan.
According to DCI, the 29-year-old had recently sneaked his way into the country from El-ade in Somalia and forged a number of documents to identify as a Kenyan.
After serious investigations and thorough interrogation, the detectives discovered that Abdi was to pay Ksh100,000 to his local associate, who would assist in the abduction exercise.
Afterwards, he was to work with another suspect, Noor Yacob Ali.
Ali’s role was to facilitate the to-be victims’ movement to El-ade at a Ksh300,000 fee.
Following the leads, a multi-agency security team conducted another operation on the morning of February 18, where Ali was cornered and arrested at Metameta area within Mandera township.
“The two have been booked in custody undergoing further interrogation ahead of their arraignment for being members of a terrorist group, which is a serious offence under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA),” DCI said.
Operation to Hunt Group Working With Al-Shabaab
This follows the launch of ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’ by Police IG Douglas Kanja on February 3, 2025.
Kanja said the operation will flush out hideouts used by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
The IG said OLA is notorious for facilitating terrorism through collaboration with Al-Shabaab in trafficking illegal arms and narcotics, human smuggling, and dealing in contraband goods.
The group has also carried out cross-border incursions, engaged in illegal mining, instigated tribal conflicts, and kidnapped individuals for ransom, posing a serious threat to Kenya’s national security.
Kanja said the militia group exploits close family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and the Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide among communities in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties.
He added that the NPS launched intense security operations on January 3, 2025, in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti Sub-Counties, targeting hideouts used by OLA to support its cross-border criminal activities.
Also Read: Kenya Launches Operation to Crush Gang Working with Al-Shabaab Terrorists
Chiefs Abducted in Mandera
Besides, five chiefs went missing on February 3, after suspected terrorists ambushed and kidnapped them in Elwak, Mandera County.
The attackers intercepted the vehicle carrying the chiefs as they traveled to Elwak, hijacking it between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
The chiefs were heading to a meeting to coordinate security plans ahead of President William Ruto’s scheduled visit to the region.
Also Read: US Clarifies Ruto’s Secret Meeting with Al-Shabaab
Ruto’s Warning
Ruto criticized the abduction stating it was meant to block him from visiting Mandera.
“You know, these fools were thinking that by doing what they did yesterday, I wouldn’t come here. They are mad. I haven’t just come to Mandera—I have come with Mandera, and I am staying in Mandera,” President Ruto said.
He emphasized that every region of Kenya is significant, and he will not allow any area of Kenya to be subjected to terrorist attacks.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that every part of Kenya is important, and we are not going to cede inch of our country to criminals and those who want to unleash mayhem in our republic,” he said.
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