The National Police Service (NPS) officially launched a special security operation, dubbed ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili,’ on February 3, 2025, to flush out hideouts used by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
In a statement, Police IG Douglas Kanja said the operation aims to dismantle the group’s criminal activities, which pose a significant threat to Kenya’s national security.
“Therefore today, pursuant to the National Police Service’s mandate to protect life and property and preserve peace, special teams of the National Police Service have officially launched the first phase of ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’ within Marsabit and Isiolo Counties to flush out OLA criminal elements hiding in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, Merti Sub- Counties and its environs,” Kanja said.
Kanja said NPS began intense security operations on January 3, 2025, within Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti Sub-Counties, targeting hideouts used by OLA to facilitate its cross-border criminal enterprise.
Kanja Lists Activities of OLA
The OLA is notorious for facilitating terrorism through collaboration with Al-Shabaab in trafficking illegal arms and narcotics, human smuggling, and dealing in contraband goods.
Additionally, the group has been involved in conducting cross-border incursions, illegal mining, instigating tribal conflicts and kidnapping for ransom that pose a serious threat to Kenya’s national security.
Kanja said the militia group has taken advantage of close family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide among the populations in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties.
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The IG explained that the group has used this tactic to commit more atrocities and causing untold suffering to communities living along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
He said the communities have endured intimidation, forceful takeover of property, and sexual assault against women and girls.
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Police IG Message to Locals
Further, Kanja has urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security officers, and continue with their daily activities as law enforcement works to restore peace and safeguard the lives and property of all Kenyans.
“In the spirit of community policing, we appeal to the local communities in the aforementioned operation areas to remain calm, carry on with their daily activities without fear, and cooperate with the NPS,” Kanja said.
“We reiterate our commitment to serve and protect all persons and their property.”
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