Suspects Arrested in Mandera for Alleged Kidnapping Plot Linked to Al-Shabaab
Two suspects were arrested in Mandera County for allegedly plotting to abduct foreign workers involved in a government project. Isaack Abdi Mohamed is accused of obtaining fraudulent Kenyan ID documents and coordinating terror activities linked to al-Shabaab. Recent security efforts have intensified in the area following a history of kidnappings.
Detectives in Mandera County have detained two individuals suspected of plotting to kidnap foreign workers in a government project. According to Mandera County Criminal Investigations Officer Pius Gitari, these suspects may be involved in coordinating terror activities linked to al-Shabaab. The suspects, Isaack Abdi Mohamed and Noor Yakub Ali, are currently being interrogated at the Mandera Police Station by the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU).
Abdi, who allegedly recently entered Kenya from Somalia, is said to have fraudulently obtained identification documents for mobility. A police report states, “The suspect, Isaac Abdi Mohamed, alias Kharan Abdi Hassan, has confirmed he was on a mission to abduct doctors and Chinese nationals in Mandera township.” Both suspects were apprehended as part of a coordinated multi-agency security operation.
Security sources indicate that Abdi paid over Sh100,000 to a local resident as part of the abduction plan targeting workers on the Mandera Water and Sewerage project, undertaken by Sinohydro Corporation, a Chinese firm. The project has faced delays due to previous security concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the risks involved in the region. Additionally, Mr. Gitari confirmed they were preparing to transport their targets to El-Ade, with an estimated cost of Sh300,000.
This incident follows a history of kidnappings in Mandera, including the notorious abduction of two Cuban doctors in April 2020 by suspected al-Shabaab members. The whereabouts of the doctors remain unknown, further emphasizing the security challenges present in the area. The recent arrests come amid intensified security initiatives in Mandera, particularly following the abduction of five chiefs by militants. Clan elders are currently negotiating for their release while two police officers face scrutiny after a terror suspect escaped police custody.
In summary, the arrest of Isaack Abdi Mohamed and Noor Yakub Ali highlights ongoing security threats in Mandera County linked to al-Shabaab. These suspects are accused of plotting to abduct foreign workers related to a local government project. Their apprehension reflects heightened security operations in the region following previous kidnappings. The situation stresses the significance of continued vigilance in addressing terror activities.
Original Source: ntvkenya.co.ke
