Anti-terrorism detectives in Mandera have arrested an assistant chief over his involvement in the illegal processing of Kenyan identification documents for foreign nationals linked to terrorism activities.
The suspect, identified as Yussuf Maalim Issak, serves as the assistant chief of Bula Power sub-location in Mandera Township. He was apprehended after allegedly facilitating the acquisition of ID registration slips for two foreign nationals, Isack Mohammed Abdi and Noor Yakub Ali. The two individuals are currently on the police radar for suspected terrorism-related activities.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were arrested while reportedly planning the abduction of a team of foreign nationals working on a sewer line construction project in Mandera town. Authorities suspect that Issak played a critical role in ensuring that the terror suspects obtained Kenyan identification documents, which would have allowed them to operate freely within the country.
The arrest comes amid heightened security operations in Mandera and other border counties, which have been prone to terrorist activities due to their proximity to Somalia. Security agencies have intensified efforts to curb the infiltration of foreign criminals and to dismantle networks that facilitate their entry and settlement in Kenya.
The Mandera County security team has assured residents that they remain committed to ensuring the safety of the region. Law enforcement officers have reiterated the importance of vigilance among locals, urging them to report suspicious activities to authorities. The DCI has also warned that those found aiding or abetting criminal activities, especially those related to terrorism, will face the full force of the law.
Issak’s arrest raises concerns about the role of local administrators in maintaining national security. With chiefs and assistant chiefs being crucial links between the government and the public, their involvement in illegal dealings undermines efforts to secure the nation. The incident also highlights the broader challenge of fraudulent identity registration, which can have severe implications for national security.
The two terror suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, and they are expected to be charged with terrorism-related offenses. Meanwhile, Issak is set to face charges of abuse of office, aiding criminal activities, and possibly being an accessory to terrorism.
Security agencies have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to dismantle criminal networks that threaten peace and stability in Mandera and its environs. Residents have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement to help curb the threat of terrorism and illegal immigration in the region.
