State sets up security camps in terror-prone areas in Lamu
Security officers in Boni Forest, Lamu County, on March 26, 2018. PHOTO | KALUME KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Security camps have been established in Milihoi, Nyongoro and Lango la Simba, which are prone to terror attacks.
- Security officials say adequate troops and officers have been deployed to intensify patrols and prevent further attacks by the militants.
The National Government has established security camps in all terror hotspot areas along the Lamu-Garsen route.
Lamu County Police Commander Muchangi Kioi said camps had been established in Milihoi, Nyongoro and Lango la Simba.
AL-SHABAAB
For the past three years, Al-Shabaab terrorists have been launching attacks on the Lamu-Garsen road and they mainly ambushed passenger buses and security vehicles in the three areas, resulting in the death` and injury of civilians and security officers.
Mr Kioi said adequate troops and officers have been deployed to intensify patrols and prevent further attacks by the militants.
The police commander assured travellers and residents of their safety.
“We have identified and marked all hotspots for terrorists on the Lamu-Garsen road.
“I can assure you that enough security barricades have been set up in all the terror hotspot areas. Travellers and pedestrians should rest assured that their security is guaranteed,” said Mr Kioi.
He added that attacks reduced shortly after the camps were established.
“I can say the terror attacks are almost nil,” added the police boss.
SECURITY
Mr Kioi urged members of the public to adhere to orders issued by security agencies manning the road, including the requirement for travellers to alight from vehicles and be frisked at roadblocks.
“If you are told to stop for frisking, just do that. It’s for your own good,” he said.
Mr Kioi urged residents to travel in convoys with police escort.
He said serious action would be taken against those who flout the directive.
The police boss also warmed private car owners against travelling alone at night.
He added that the ban on night travel on the Lamu-Garsen road has not been lifted.
“I want to clearly state that no vehicle is supposed to travel at night and anyone doing so is directly putting their lives at risk,” said Mr Kioi.
This month, the Lamu security department led by Mr Kioi cleared bushes at Nyongoro and Lango la Simba areas to make the road clearly visible on both sides. This was aimed at preventing attacks on the road.
