A National Police Reservist (NPR) was killed in a deadly raid by gunmen in the Iressuki area of Elwak, Mandera County, on Monday. The attackers, suspected to be al-Shabaab militants, engaged in a fierce clash with NPR officers before escaping, with some reportedly sustaining injuries.
The assailants had targeted the residence of Abidkar Ibrahim, the NPR head in charge of the Mandera governor’s office. Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan condemned the attack, criticizing security agencies for failing to act on intelligence that had warned of an impending attack.
“Information was relayed to all security agents as late as Sunday, when the officers said they would be attacked by al-Shabaab and had no capacity to fight them, but nothing was done,” Adan stated, calling for urgent action to bolster security in the region.
This latest attack follows another deadly ambush on Sunday in Fafi, Garissa County, where six NPR officers were killed after a terrorist group overran their camp. The attackers made away with at least six AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and a Rocket Propelled Grenade. Reports indicate that six NPR officers remain unaccounted for, raising fears that they may have been abducted.
During the Fafi attack, two al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed, while one was injured. After the ambush, the attackers intercepted a vehicle carrying mourners, forced them out, and took the bodies of their fallen comrades before retreating towards Somalia.
Security agencies have expressed concerns over an increase in militant activities along the Kenya-Somalia border, with intelligence reports indicating that al-Shabaab operatives are mobilizing for further attacks. Mandera has particularly been a hotspot for terrorist activity, further straining security efforts.
Earlier in the year, five chiefs were abducted by al-Shabaab militants and remain missing. Residents and local leaders have decried the continued insecurity, criticizing security forces for being reactive rather than proactive in combating the terrorist threat.
The rising threat has prompted the US Embassy in Nairobi to issue a travel advisory, warning its citizens against visiting Kenya-Somalia border counties, including Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Tana River, due to risks posed by terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings.
Meanwhile, multi-agency security teams have been deployed to pursue the attackers and enhance surveillance in affected areas. The National Police Service has vowed to intensify operations to curb the escalating threat and restore stability in the region.
