Al-Shabaab key hideouts in Boni forest destroyed

Al-Shabaab militants in past action

NAIROBI—Three key Al-Shabaab hideouts at Lango la Simba in Witu Division of Lamu West in Boni Forest have been discovered and destroyed.

Linda Boni Operation Director Joseph Kanyiri said the hideouts were discovered and destroyed through efforts by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers and National Police Service officers manning the area.

“We have managed to destroy three key Al-Shabaab hide outs at Lango la Simba in Witu. That’s where they used to hide and ambush vehicles on the Witu-Gamba-Garsen highway. All we ask is that people stay out of the Boni Forest and for those who are in IDP camps, be patient, don’t go back home yet. That’s risky if you do. Let’s give our officers enough space to eliminate criminals in those areas,” said Mr Kanyiri.

On August 2, 2017, three Tana River County officials died after their vehicle was torched by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in the same area which is also home to the Nyongoro and Gamba.

He said the biggest challenge facing the operation is the lack of cooperation from members of the public who refuse to give information to aid in the war on Al-Shabaab.

“We thank the few members of the public who have been giving information to the police and aid the war on Al-Shabaab. If you have information on anything, bring it to us. Let’s all work together to make Lamu safe again,” said Linda Boni Operation Director.

He said more police and military camps have been set up in terror-prone areas including Bodhei, Milimani, Mangai, Usalama, Mararani, Ishakani, Pandanguo, Nyatha, Salama and others.