Suspected Al-shabaab fighters arrested in Tana River

Two suspected Al-shabaab militants have been arrested in Tana River county after the security officers received a tip-off from the locals.

Mohammed Omar Ali, 43 , was captured by the locals before handing over to the Police. According to the locals, Omar was asking for the direction of the nearest churches and police stations.

Abdallah Mohamed Abdallah, 20, was arrested in Laza town.

The arrest was made after the locals reported that they have sighted six armed men who were suspected to be Al-shabaab militants in Bula Village.

According to the County Police Commander Fredrick Ochieng, the suspects were spotted crossing River Tana from Garissa side to Lagbadana Village on Wednesday.

Mr Ochieng said, the items recovered from the arrested suspects had some information of vital places believed to be a target. The items include a laptop with codes and locations of several foreign communications installations like San Marco mast in malindi.

After interrogation from the security officers, the first suspect claimed that he was on his way to Nairobi from Garissa while the second, Abdallah Mohamed said he was going to Garissa from Mombasa through Hola.

“Mohamed Omar, one of the suspects claimed he was going to Nairobi through Garissa; we did not understand how he ended up in Hola area when we have only one way to Nairobi from Garissa,” said Mr. fredrick.

Tana River County police boss assured the residents that enough security personnels have been dispatched to secure targeted places and the County at large and urged the locals to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security officers.

“Tana River County is among the Counties risk of terror attack, we have put measures in place by ensuring that all communication masts, vital installations, places of worship, hospitals, schools and other social places are guarded on daily basis,” said Mr Ochieng.

The suspects have been handed over to the Anti- Terrorism Police Unit for further interrogation.