9 Millitia Members Arrested, 6 Firearms And Rounds Of Ammunition Recovered By Police In Isiolo County

According to a police record, a security squad headquartered in Isiolo came into contact with the alleged militia gang and overwhelmed them.

“Yesterday in Kom area, Merti Sub-County, Isiolo County, our security team came into contact with a suspected militia group which was overpowered, and a number of recoveries made,” NPS said.

During the operation, security agents found six AK-47 weapons, one FN firearm, 16 magazines, two jungle police outfits, and many rounds of ammunition.

With the recent closure of the Kim Durte mining site, the National Police Service said its officers from Merti Sub-County have been working along with the GSU and Quick Response Unit (QRU) to beef up security in the area.

"Officers from Merti Sub-County have been working jointly with the GSU and Quick Response Unit (QRU) to beef up security in the area with the closure of Kim Durte mining site recently being part of the journey to restoring peace in the region," stated the NPS on Thursday. 

The suspects were taken into custody to await their court arraignment.

In recent years, Isiolo county has had a number of incidents of insecurity, which have been attributed in part to individuals possessing illicit firearms.

In Garba Tula, Isiolo county, police recovered weapons and many rounds of ammunition in October 2021.

The weapons, which comprised three AK-47 assault rifles, one Mark 4 rifle, 203 rounds of 7.62X39mm special calibre ammunition, and nine AK-47 magazines, were discovered in a residence in Kinna Town during a 5 a.m. raid, according to the cops.