A Kenyan police officer was shot dead, and another injured in a surprise attack by gunmen believed to be rogue members of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) at a border point in Mandera. The incident occurred on Friday, March 14, at Border Point 4, where five officers from the Border Police Unit were manning the Kenya-Somalia border.
The attackers, numbering about 20, ambushed the Kenyan team and opened fire, killing Constable Dennis Omari instantly. Another officer sustained gunshot injuries to his upper left hand and was rushed to Mandera Referral Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. The attack forced the remaining officers to take cover as the assailants seized firearms before fleeing the scene.
According to police reports, the gunmen stole a G3 rifle with 60 rounds of ammunition and an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds from the officers. Investigations indicate that the attack was a retaliatory act linked to a previous arrest of terror suspects. The arrested suspects were allegedly part of a group that attempted to abduct Chinese nationals in Mandera in February.
Authorities believe the attack was orchestrated by a NISA officer whose brother was among those arrested during the failed abduction. The Somali government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Senior police officers have since visited the scene as investigations continue. The attack has heightened tensions in the region, with fears of further violence. Security agencies have pledged to address the situation and ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, the February abduction plot led to the arrest of the Assistant Chief of Bula Power sublocation in Mandera Township. The administrator, identified as Yussuf Maalim Issak, was accused of illegally facilitating the processing of Kenyan identification documents for two foreign nationals linked to the abduction plot. The suspects, Isack Mohammed Abdi and Noor Yakub Ali, were allegedly planning to kidnap Chinese workers involved in the construction of a sewer line in Mandera town.
Authorities are working to prevent further attacks and dismantle networks involved in terrorism and illegal activities along the Kenya-Somalia border.
