How 2 Terror Suspects Evaded Police Raid at Likoni

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ATPU officer arrested a terror suspect at Likoni Channel, Mombasa on Monday, August 23, 2021
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The Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) and detectives have launched a manhunt for two terror suspects who narrowly evaded arrest on Monday, August 23 at the Likoni ferry crossing channel in Mombasa.

The duo was believed to be accomplices to the two suspects who were apprehended at the ferry crossing point. 

Lead detectives detailed that one suspect had remained in Kwale to reportedly coordinate a planned terror attack at the Coast. 

The suspect, whose age detectives have capped at 28 years, had allegedly been arrested in 2016 and faced terror-related charges. However, he was released on bond and the case collapsed later for lack of evidence.

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The suspect was arrested a year later on similar charges but once released by court, he is said to have jumped bail.

Detectives added that he was the lead suspect in the case, and had organised the group to launch an attack in commemoration of the slain Sheikh Abud Rogo

Rogo was killed in a drive-by shooting in Mombasa, with reports indicating that he had links with terror and militia groups. 

The other suspect who evaded arrest during the Likoni arrest was identified as a Bajuni woman, who had just alighted from the seized vehicle to deposit money at a mobile money agent.

She was reported to have vanished into the crowd after police ambushed the two men she had left waiting in the car. 

Detectives stated that they had leads on her whereabouts and were trailing her movement, hoping to waylay her at the right moment. 

ATPU detectives detailed that they will conduct house-to-house searches in Mombasa and detailed investigations in Mvita and Kwale. They hoped to narrow down on sympathisers and other local coordinators. 

Police, prior to the raid, had arrested a businessman at Old Town, Mombasa, believed to be the link between the foreigners and local sympathisers.

MV Likoni ferry at the Likoni channel, Mombasa County.
MV Likoni ferry at the Likoni channel, Mombasa County.
Photo
Kenya Ferry
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