City Affairs

Police conduct security sweep in Eastleigh, arrest 30 individuals

The Eastleigh North Police Station. (Photo: EV)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Friday, January 12, 2024

In a coordinated operation carried out by officers from Eastleigh North police station on Thursday evening, over 30 people, including doctors and businessmen, have been apprehended

In a coordinated operation carried out by officers from Eastleigh North Police Station on Thursday evening, over 30 people, including doctors and businessmen, have been apprehended. The operation took place on 4th Street, on Yusuf Haji Avenue (First Avenue) in Eastleigh.

Some eyewitnesses have raised concerns, asserting that the majority of those detained were youths who were in the process of closing their businesses for the day or pedestrians merely navigating the vicinity during the operation. The Police reported that the operation was initiated in response to reports of gangs carrying out stabbings and snatching phones from passersby in the vicinity.

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While the police acknowledge the possibility of innocent individuals being among the detainees, they have assured that those found innocent will be released after further investigation, scheduled for tomorrow morning.

A police officer who did not want to be mentioned, as he or she is not authorised to address the media, revealed that the directive for the operation came from higher authorities at the headquarters.

"The order came from above; our seniors called from the headquarters," stated the anonymous police officer, shedding light on the chain of command that led to the operation.

Contrary to the police account, an eyewitness, who wished to remain unidentified, claimed that the catalyst for the operation was a complaint lodged by the owner of one of the malls on 4th Street.

According to the eyewitness, the turmoil began two days ago when unknown assailants killed a Maasai watchman. The incident was reported to a high-ranking police official, prompting the issuance of the operation order to Eastleigh North Police Station officers.

On the other hand, there are murmurs about the resurgence of the notorious superpower gang causing distress among Eastleigh residents, particularly in areas such as 5th, 4th, and 3rd Streets, as well as sections one and two on the first and second avenues.

Outside the Eastleigh North police station, a substantial number of people, presumably connected to those arrested, gathered despite heavy rainfall, pleading for the release of their loved ones.

Zakaria Hassan, one of the individuals present at the police station gate, expressed his frustration over the situation.

He came in an attempt to rescue his workmate but was unsuccessful. "He has the key to the shop; how will I open it tomorrow?" Zakaria emphasized, highlighting the practical challenges faced by those affected by the operation.

The aftermath of this security operation leaves the Eastleigh community grappling with questions of fairness and the potential impact on innocent individuals caught in the law enforcement dragnet.

As the police proceed with their investigations, residents await clarity on the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the measures taken to address security concerns in Eastleigh.