2 Officers Taken Hostage After Gunmen Ambush Garissa Police Camp

Police officers arriving at a camp in Garissa County in January 2020.
Police officers arriving at a camp in Garissa County in January 2020.
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Two police officers attached to Hagadera Police Station were on Wednesday night taken hostage by a group of armed men who staged an ambush at Kambioos Police Camp in Garissa County.

According to a police report obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the gunmen, believed to be Al Shabaab militants, set up base 700 metres from the Camp on Wednesday at 7:30 pm.

After monitoring the movements of the officers, the gunmen ambushed the police camp, opening fire using AK47 rifles.

The officers responded leading to a gunfight that went on for several minutes.

Al Shabaab Militia
Al Shabaab militia during a past drill.
Photo
DW

Moments later, the gunmen added to their firepower by using the Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPGs) at the camp.

However, when backup finally arrived, the officers managed to subdue the gunmen. 

The gunmen, who had advanced towards the camp, fled from the scene, leaving behind a trail of destruction in their wake.

According to the report, a team led by Sub County Police Commander (SCPC) Stephen Parlero visited the scene and established that two of the officers who were on the front line battling against the militants were missing.

Further, the team observed that the officers' rifles were also missing.

Police officers have since launched investigations to locate the missing officers and find out where the gunmen are hiding.

The incident highlights the growing concern over the rise of attacks by the Al Shabaab militants. 

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki recently reaffirmed the government's commitment to fighting the group, noting that security agencies in the terror-prone areas would be reinforced with well-equipped machinery.

Further, Kindiki pointed out that Police Reservists would be recruited to supplement the efforts of the multi-agency security officers in the region. 

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki engaging frontline officers at Salama Camp on Tuesday February 13, 2024
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki engaging frontline officers at Salama Camp on Tuesday, February 13, 2024
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Ministry of Interior
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