A search operation is underway for three men suspected to have been abducted by al Shabaab militants in Iresuki village, Mandera Central Subcounty. The victims, identified as Derow Adan, Isak Abdulahi, and Amare Ibrahim, disappeared on Monday, March 17, after their motorcycle broke down along the Elwak-Mandera road.
According to police reports, Adan and Abdulahi were traveling from Elwak to Iresuki when they encountered mechanical issues. They contacted Ibrahim, a mechanic, for assistance. However, their motorcycle was later found abandoned at Bomba Doga, approximately 15 kilometers from Elwak town. Security agencies suspect they were kidnapped by al Shabaab operatives, given the area’s history of terror-related activities.
Mandera County remains a high-risk region due to its proximity to the porous Kenya-Somalia border. The latest abduction follows a similar incident last month, where five chiefs were kidnapped in Elwak by the same militant group. The chiefs are reportedly being held in Jilib, Somalia, as negotiations continue for their release. The abductors have demanded a ransom, further highlighting the security challenges faced in the region.
The ongoing insecurity has significantly hampered development efforts in Mandera and neighboring counties. Authorities have intensified counterterrorism operations to curb such attacks. While these measures have led to a reduction in incidents, sporadic kidnappings and militant activities persist, posing a significant threat to residents and travelers.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting Kenya-Somalia border counties, including Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Tana River, and coastal areas north of Malindi. The advisory cites security risks such as terrorism, banditry, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Kenyan authorities are yet to respond to the advisory.
The latest kidnapping incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in Mandera and other high-risk areas. Local leaders and security agencies are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. As efforts to locate the missing men continue, the government faces mounting pressure to strengthen security and safeguard communities from militant threats.
