Police order residents to leave 'dangerous' Boni Forest ahead of major operation

Boni Forest in Lamu County has been declared a dangerous area ahead of a major security operation.

Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet has consequently asked residents in surrounding areas to surrender ammunition and firearms, whether legal or illegal, and vacate.

In a Gazette notice dated September 3, Mr Boinnet told the residents to surrender weapons to the nearest police stations or administrative offices during the day for safe custody.

“The general public should note that this notice shall remain in force for a period of 90 days and is subject to extension,” the IG indicated.

Residents of the surrounding Holugho border point, Galmagala, Sangailu, Ijara, Masalani, Bodhei, Milimani, Basuba, Kiunga, Maralani, Baurre and Ishakani are likely to be affected by the directive.

Security forces have in the recent past warned that Al-Shabaab militants had set up permanent bases in the vast forest, where they are suspected to be training and living with their families.

AMBUSHED VEHICLES

In July, the militants ambushed three police vehicles on different occasions, attacking them with home-made bombs and killing at least 10 officers.

They have also on different occasions planted landmines on roads that are used by the security forces.

It is also suspected that the Mpeketoni attackers had assembled in the 160-kilometre-wide forest before they sprang on villagers.

The Boni Forest borders the Indian Ocean, extends to Somalia and is home to the Lag Badana Bush National Park on the Somalia side. It also extends to the Hulugho Sub-County in Garissa.

Sources indicate that a security operation that will involve the police and the military is set to be conducted to smoke out Al-Shabaab militants from the forest.