MANDERA, Kenya —Two suspected members of the Al Shabaab terror group have been arrested in Mandera for allegedly plotting to abduct foreign workers at a sewer construction site within Mandera township, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed.
Among those arrested is Isaac Abdi Mohamed, also known as Kharan Abdi Hassan, who had reportedly sneaked into Kenya from El-Ade, Somalia. Investigations reveal he planned to pay Ksh. 100,000 to a local accomplice to facilitate the kidnapping. The abducted victims were then to be smuggled into Somalia for a ransom of Ksh. 300,000.
The second suspect, Noor Yacob Ali, was arrested in Mandera’s Metameta area as authorities intensified their crackdown on terrorist activities in the region.
Both suspects are in custody and are expected to face terrorism-related charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). The DCI emphasized that further investigations are underway to dismantle networks facilitating terrorist activities along the Kenya-Somalia border.
Mandera County, which has previously witnessed security challenges due to its proximity to Somalia, remains a hotspot for cross-border criminal activities. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals as security forces heighten surveillance in the region.
Among those arrested is Isaac Abdi Mohamed, also known as Kharan Abdi Hassan, who had reportedly sneaked into Kenya from El-Ade, Somalia. Investigations reveal he planned to pay Ksh. 100,000 to a local accomplice to facilitate the kidnapping. The abducted victims were then to be smuggled into Somalia for a ransom of Ksh. 300,000.
The second suspect, Noor Yacob Ali, was arrested in Mandera’s Metameta area as authorities intensified their crackdown on terrorist activities in the region.
Both suspects are in custody and are expected to face terrorism-related charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). The DCI emphasized that further investigations are underway to dismantle networks facilitating terrorist activities along the Kenya-Somalia border.
Mandera County, which has previously witnessed security challenges due to its proximity to Somalia, remains a hotspot for cross-border criminal activities. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals as security forces heighten surveillance in the region.
