Wajir police nab suspect with AK-47 rifle in ongoing crackdown on illegal firearms
Police in Sabuli, Wajir County, arrested a man with an illegal AK-47 rifle during a patrol, seizing the weapon as part of ongoing operations against illicit firearms in northern Kenya.
The National Police Service has announced the arrest of a man found with an illegal AK-47 rifle during a patrol operation in Sabuli, Wajir County, on Monday.
Officers on routine patrol encountered the suspect and discovered he was carrying the firearm, which has since been secured by the authorities.
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According to a statement issued by the National Police Service, the officers acted after noticing behaviour that required further scrutiny, and their engagement with the suspect led to the recovery of the weapon.
The rifle has been taken as evidence as investigations continue to establish how it was obtained and whether it is linked to any criminal activity in the region.
The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to face legal procedures once investigators complete the necessary documentation.
Police said the recovery of the firearm is part of ongoing operations targeting illegal weapons in northern Kenya, where concerns persist about the movement of firearms across remote areas.
The officers involved reported the matter to their command structure, and additional teams will monitor the area as part of broader security measures. Investigators will question the suspect to determine whether he is linked to any networks involved in transporting or distributing illegal firearms.
In the statement, the National Police Service said such operations will continue because they are essential in reducing risks posed by illegal weapons.
The statement noted that the presence of unregistered firearms increases the likelihood of violent incidents, and officers have been instructed to remain alert during field operations.
“Our officers will remain active in all regions as we continue to enforce the law and respond to any threats that may arise,” the statement said.
The National Police Service also urged residents to share information that could help identify individuals transporting or hiding weapons.
The statement added that cooperation between the public and security agencies is vital in addressing crime across the country.
“We urge the public to work with our officers and report anything that may help us prevent crime and keep communities safe,” the police service said.
The suspect will remain in custody as investigations continue, after which the case will be handed over to the relevant authorities. Police say updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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