Three suspects arrested in Garissa over violent robberies, firearms recovered

A joint security operation in Garissa town on Friday successfully apprehended three individuals suspected of involvement in a series of violent robberies in the Burburis area of Garissa Township Sub-county.

According to a report from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects, identified as Ali Isaack aka Jografia, 38, and Muhumed Bare Hussein, 30, were flushed out of their hideout in the Burburis area.

They were arrested alongside Habiba Yusuf, 70, who is suspected to have been sheltering them after their criminal escapades, according to the DCI.

"Upon raiding their hideout, law enforcement officers uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence, including an AK-47 rifle with serial number A082674 and six rounds of ammunition, 12 mobile phones, and two knives, among other damning items," stated the report.

Some of the items recovered from the suspects. (Issa Hussein)

The DCI added that the suspects were taken to Garissa Police Station for processing and are expected to be arraigned in Garissa Law Court on Monday.

Hassan Osman Shurie, the Garissa Township Sub-county Peace Chairman, who has been vocal about the violent robbery incidents in the area, commended the Garissa County Security Committee, led by County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, for their efforts in apprehending the suspects.

Hassan noted that these suspects had been terrorising residents of Galbet Ward in Garissa Township.

"This was a commendable effort that will allow shops and other businesses, which have been closing early in fear, to operate without the constant threat of robbery," he said.

He further noted that the gun-related robbery was first reported three months ago at Dobale Shopping Center near Burburis, when a gang armed with an AK-47 raided a Safaricom shop and made away with Sh1.2 million.

This incident shocked many Garissa residents, as cases of armed robbery had not been witnessed in the area for the past 20 years.

Hassan also urged security forces to address the growing problem of teen gang violence and robberies in Garissa Town.

In a separate report from police sources, a joint security team in Garissa has seized improvised explosive device (IED) components linked to Al-Shabaab militants. The report noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the county, emphasising the commitment of security agencies to enhance safety and prevent potential attacks.