Anti-terrorism detectives have arrested sub-chief Yussuf Maalim Issak for allegedly facilitating the illegal registration of foreign nationals suspected of terrorism.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated that the Assistant Chief of Bula Power Sub-Location in Mandera Township helped in the procurement of a Kenyan identification acknowledgement slip (commonly known as an ID waiting card).
Further, the DCI noted that the two suspects were reportedly planning the abduction of foreign nationals working on a sewer line construction project in Mandera town.
Authorities believe that by illegally securing identification documents, terror suspects can easily integrate into local communities, escape security checks, and plan attacks.
“The arrest is part of intensified security operations aimed at dismantling networks that aid terrorism in the border region.
“Authorities believe that by illegally securing identification documents, terror suspects can more easily integrate into local communities, evade security checks, and plan attacks,” stated DCI.
Also Read: Tough Security Precautions Ruto is Taking During Mandera Tour After Al Shabaab Threat
The Terrorists Helped by the Chief
Earlier in a statement dated February 18, DCI announced that anti-terrorism police in Mandera East had arrested two individuals suspected of plotting to abduct foreign nationals working on a sewer line construction project in Mandera Township.
Acting on intelligence, the officers arrested the prime suspect, Isaac Abdi Mohamed, also known as Kharan Abdi Hassan.
According to the DCI, the 29-year-old had recently entered Kenya illegally from El-Ade, Somalia, and had forged multiple documents to falsely present himself as a Kenyan citizen.
After serious investigations and interrogation, the detectives discovered that Abdi was to pay Ksh100,000 to his local associate, who would assist in the abduction exercise.
He was meant to collaborate with another suspect, Noor Yacob Ali. Ali’s role was to facilitate the would-be victims’ movement to El-ade at a Ksh300,000 fee.
Mandera County, which borders Somalia, has been a hotspot for extremist activity, with authorities remaining on high alert amid infiltration by terrorist groups.
Also Read: Ruto Breaks Silence After Abductions of Five Chiefs
Chiefs Abducted in Mandera
In a separate incident, five chiefs went missing on February 3, after suspected terrorists ambushed and kidnapped them in El Wak, Mandera County.
The attackers intercepted the vehicle carrying the chiefs as they travelled to El Wak, hijacking it between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
Further, police officers explained that the chiefs were heading to a meeting to coordinate security plans ahead of President William Ruto’s scheduled visit to the region.
Ruto criticized the abduction stating that it was meant to block him from visiting Mandera.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that every part of Kenya is important, and we are not going to cede an inch of our country to criminals and those who want to unleash mayhem in our republic,” he said,” President Ruto said.
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