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Authorities in Mandera Detain Local Administrator for Facilitating Illegal ID Registration for Terror Suspects
A Mandera County Assistant Chief has been arrested for allegedly attempting to facilitate the illegal registration of Kenyan identification documents for two terror suspects. The suspects were reportedly plotting to abduct foreign workers engaged in constructing a sewer line in Mandera town.
According to a police report, Yussuf Maalim Issak, the Assistant Chief of Bula Power sub-location in Mandera Township, was detained by anti-terrorism detectives. Authorities suspect that Issak played a role in securing an acknowledgment of registration slip, commonly referred to as an ID waiting card, for the two individuals.
“Anti-terrorism officers from the Mandera detachment have arrested Yussuf Maalim Issak, the Assistant Chief of Bula Power sub-location in Mandera Township, for his involvement in the attempted unlawful processing of Kenyan identification documents for two foreign nationals suspected of terrorism. The suspects have been identified as Isack Mohammed Abdi and Noor Yakub Ali,” the police report stated.
Security agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Mandera residents and all individuals working in the town and its environs. Efforts to mitigate potential threats and uphold law and order remain ongoing.
The two suspects, believed to be Al-Shabaab operatives, were apprehended on Monday by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Investigations revealed that one of the suspects, Isaac Abdi Mohamed, also known as Kharan Abdi Hassan, had recently entered Kenya illegally from El-Ade, Somalia. He allegedly forged multiple documents to falsely claim Kenyan citizenship.
Further scrutiny and interrogation uncovered that the suspect had planned to pay Ksh100,000 to a local associate who would assist in carrying out the abduction. The victims were to be transported to El-Ade for ransom, with the suspects demanding Ksh300,000 for their release.
A follow-up operation on Tuesday morning led to the arrest of Noor Yakub Ali in the Metameta area of Mandera. Both suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation. Authorities plan to charge them under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) for their affiliation with a terrorist organization, a serious offense under Kenyan law.
These arrests follow heightened security concerns in Mandera, particularly after the abduction of five chiefs earlier this month by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Elwak, Mandera County. Reports indicate that the administrators were traveling to Elwak when they were ambushed and taken hostage between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
Following this incident, President William Ruto directed the National Police Service (NPS) to take swift action to enhance security in the North Eastern region. Security forces have since intensified operations to prevent further attacks and apprehend individuals linked to terrorist activities.
Al-Shabaab militants reportedly demanded a ransom of Ksh7 million for the release of the kidnapped chiefs. Authorities continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to neutralize the extremist group’s threats and secure the safe release of the abducted officials.
The government has urged local leaders and residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. Security forces have also been stationed at strategic locations to prevent militant infiltration and curb further cases of abduction and terror-related crimes.
The latest developments highlight the persistent security challenges in Mandera and the broader North Eastern region, where Al-Shabaab operatives remain a significant threat. Authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to dismantle terror networks and ensure the safety of residents and workers.
The arrest of the Assistant Chief raises concerns about local collusion with terror groups, prompting security agencies to intensify their scrutiny of individuals in administrative positions. Officials have warned that any person found aiding terrorist activities, whether directly or indirectly, will face severe legal consequences.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with authorities preparing to present them in court. Security operations have been heightened across Mandera to prevent further extremist infiltration and safeguard the region’s residents and infrastructure from potential attacks.