Swoop on Shabaab in Boni forest launched
What you need to know:
- Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, military chief Samson Mwathethe and Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet attended the launch at Lamu’s Mpeketoni School.
- Mr Boinnet last week declared Boni Forest a ‘Dangerous and Disturbed Area’ ahead of the security operation.
- The weapons should be handed over at the nearest police stations or administrative offices during the day, for safe custody.
A swoop to kick out Al-Shabaab terrorists hiding in Boni Forest started in earnest on Friday.
‘Operation Okoa Boni’ involves officers from the Kenya Police, Administration Police, the military and the National Intelligence Service.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, military chief Samson Mwathethe and Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet attended the launch at Lamu’s Mpeketoni School.
The multi-agency teams are led by a senior administrative officer from the Interior Ministry, and have planned and trained together.
“Al-Shabaab have been infiltrating this habitation and using it as a base because of the forest cover. We will continue to play our central role in the fight against terrorism and insecurity,” Mr Nkaissery said.
He assured locals that the operation would be conducted without violating their rights.
“Our experience across the country has reaffirmed the value of close collaboration with the public in addressing any threat,” he said.
The pressure on Boni enclave has grown in the aftermath of the defeat of Al-Shabaab in most parts of Southern Somalia.
“They have turned southwards crossing our borders into Lamu and moved into Malindi, Mombasa, Garissa and the rest of the country,” he said.
The forested and bushy environment gives terrorists cover against both mobile and aerial surveillance.
The forest borders the Indian Ocean and extends to the Somalia border. It is home to the Lag Badana Bush Bush National Park on the Somalia side and Lacta Belt. It also extends to the Hulugho Division in Garissa.
Mr Boinnet last week declared Boni Forest a ‘Dangerous and Disturbed Area’ ahead of the security operation.
Mr Boinnet asked residents of surrounding areas to surrender both legal and illegal firearms they may be having.
The weapons should be handed over at the nearest police stations or administrative offices during the day, for safe custody.
“The notice will remain in force for 90 days and is subject to extension,” Mr Boinnet indicated.
However, no official communication has been forthcoming concerning the number of weapons surrendered so far.
