Police widen search operations to curtail terrorism

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett at a past conference. The Police boss has warned that terrorists are planning to use fake number plates resembling those of United Nations and other international organisations or even embassies, which are “least suspected” to execute the terror attacks. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • In the past two weeks, at least 20 people have been arrested across the country, eight of them on the Nanyuki-Habaswein-Wajir route before they could reach Nairobi.
  • Police have also warned that terrorists are planning to use fake number plates resembling those of United Nations and other international organisations or even embassies, which are “least suspected” to execute the terror attacks.

Security agents are now focusing on international organisations, embassies, prisons, colleges and major towns, especially in Central, Eastern and North Eastern, in a renewed fight against terrorism.

As a result of the intelligence-led operations, dozens of planned attacks have been thwarted in the past two months.

In the past two weeks, at least 20 people have been arrested across the country, eight of them on the Nanyuki-Habaswein-Wajir route before they could reach Nairobi.

Reports indicate once the suspects sneak into the city, it is difficult to find them.

As a result, operations have been enhanced on the Thika-Garissa route and also in Nyeri.

Police have also warned that terrorists are planning to use fake number plates resembling those of United Nations and other international organisations or even embassies, which are “least suspected” to execute the terror attacks.

Police said the terrorists have also stolen number plates belonging to the United Nations World Food Programme, but added there is little likelihood they will be used after the theft was detected.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has directed officers to search all vehicles thoroughly.

Intelligence also reveals some prisoners are planning attacks while in custody with unscrupulous warders.

At least two terror suspects in Kamiti Maximum Prison are being monitored closely.

Commissioner General of Prisons Isaiah Osugo on Sunday denied any such plans.

“I am yet to receive such information. In case there are such reports, police would be the best to deal with that,” he said.

The enhanced operation this year has also been attributed to support from the international community following visits by President Obama in July, and the Pope last week.