Operation Ondoa Jangili nets over 300 suspects, 200 firearms
The multi-agency team involved in the operation, he said, is grappling with illegal mining, drug and human trafficking as well as cross-border incursions.
The National Police Service led Operation Ondoa Jangili in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties has recovered 200 1arms and arrested over 300 suspects since it kicked off in early this year.
As a result, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said on Wednesday, the catch has played a major role in pacifying the region that had for long not known peace.
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"The operation has thwarted several criminal activities and curbed the proliferation of small arms," the CS said as he kicked off his Jukwaa la Usalama tour of the two counties at Marsabit Police Station.
The police also paraded recovered and surrendered arms, as well as drugs netted in the operation.
"The operation has recovered more than 200 arms and resulted in the arrest of more than 300 suspects, many of whom have been charged," the CS said.
The multi-agency team involved in the operation, he said, is grappling with illegal mining, drug and human trafficking as well as cross-border incursions.
"The war on drug trafficking has netted 286 foreign nationals. The operation is ongoing, and our multi-agency teams remain vigilant to apprehend criminals and bring lasting peace to the region," added the CS.
At least 600 National Police Reservists have been hired to strengthen the operation.
The operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) that had been hiding within the two counties, specifically in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti sub-counties, as well as the surrounding areas.
"Notably, the activities of the Oromo Liberation Army include trafficking illegal arms and narcotics, human trafficking, dealing in contraband goods, conducting cross-border incursions, illegal mining, instigating tribal conflicts, and kidnapping for ransom, all of which pose a serious threat to Kenya's national security," NPS said during the operation's launch in February.
The service added that the militia group has been exploiting close family and cultural ties between the Borana people of Kenya and Ethiopia to infiltrate and conceal themselves within communities in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
As a result, they committed atrocities, causing immense suffering to residents along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, including intimidation, forceful land seizures, and sexual violence against women and girls.
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