Security agencies in Mandera East have apprehended two individuals suspected of having links to the Al-Shabaab militant group.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were allegedly planning to abduct Chinese workers involved in a sewer construction project within Mandera Township.
Authorities revealed that the primary suspect had recently crossed into Kenya from El-Ade, Somalia. Upon entry, he reportedly forged identification documents to disguise himself as a Kenyan citizen.
Investigations further indicated that the suspect had recruited a local accomplice, who was promised Ksh100,000 to assist in executing the abduction. The victims were to be transported to Somalia for a ransom of Ksh300,000.
“After receiving intelligence reports about the planned abduction, we launched an operation to track down and apprehend the suspects before they could execute their mission,” DCI stated in a report on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, a security operation led by a multi-agency team led to the arrest of a second suspect in the Metameta area of Mandera Township.
The arrests come amid rising concerns over insecurity in the region, following the recent kidnapping of five local chiefs by suspected Al-Shabaab militants. The assailants have reportedly demanded Ksh7 million for the release of four of them.
Authorities also confirmed that a key suspect, identified as Isaac Abdi Mohamed (alias Kharan Abdi Hassan), was taken into custody on February 18, 2025. The 29-year-old, believed to be a Somali national, had fraudulently attempted to obtain a Kenyan identification card.
Further investigations revealed that Isaac was working alongside a Kenyan accomplice, Noor Yacob Ali, also 29, who was later arrested in Mandera Township.
“The arrest of these suspects is a major breakthrough in our efforts to combat terrorism and protect citizens from planned attacks,” a senior ATPU officer said.
Both suspects remain in custody as security agencies intensify efforts to track down other individuals believed to be involved in the planned abduction.
“Efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest other accomplices involved in the planned abduction,” the police stated.
The case is under investigation by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The suspects are expected to be charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).
