Security Agencies Foil Suspected Terror Attack on Garissa-Dadaab Road, Recover IED

Security Agencies Foil Suspected Terror Attack on Garissa-Dadaab Road, Recover IED

A multi-agency security operation has thwarted a suspected terror attack along the busy Garissa-Dadaab Road after officers intercepted a suspect and recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) concealed near the roadside in Garissa County.

The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, May 23, has once again highlighted growing security concerns in Kenya’s northeastern region, an area that has previously experienced attacks linked to extremist groups operating near the Kenya-Somalia border.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect was spotted during a routine patrol by a multi-agency security team conducting surveillance operations along the Haji Aden stretch of the Garissa-Dadaab highway.

Authorities said officers became suspicious after noticing the man behaving unusually by the roadside moments before the arrest.

Upon realising that security personnel were approaching, the suspect allegedly fled into nearby bushes in what investigators believe was an attempt to evade capture and possibly abandon the explosive device unnoticed.

Security officers immediately launched a pursuit through dense vegetation surrounding the area, eventually cornering and arresting the suspect after what officials described as a tense chase.

“A potentially terror mission was thwarted after a multi-agency security team arrested a terror suspect recovering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Garissa-Dadaab Road,” the DCI stated.

Investigators revealed that after apprehending the suspect, officers escorted him back to the exact location where he had initially been standing before discovering the concealed explosive device hidden near the roadside.

Bomb disposal experts were immediately deployed to the scene to secure the area and safely recover the device without causing harm to members of the public or security officers involved in the operation.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature or capability of the explosive device, but preliminary investigations indicate that it may have been intended for use in an attack targeting civilians, security personnel or vehicles using the strategic highway.

The Garissa-Dadaab route remains one of the most sensitive transport corridors in northeastern Kenya due to its proximity to refugee settlements and border areas frequently targeted by extremist networks.

During the operation, officers also recovered several items believed to be linked to the suspect’s activities, including military-style jungle attire consisting of a jacket and trousers.

Detectives further seized two mobile phones that investigators suspect may contain crucial information regarding the suspect’s communications, movements and possible links to wider criminal or terror networks operating within the region.

The suspect was later escorted to Garissa Police Station, where he remains in custody as detectives intensify investigations ahead of his planned arraignment in court.

Security officials say forensic experts are currently analysing evidence recovered from the scene as authorities seek to establish whether the suspect acted alone or was part of a coordinated network planning attacks in the region.

The latest incident comes months after separate security scares involving explosive devices were reported in the Lake Victoria basin region.

In one of the earlier incidents, fishermen in the Nyanza region reportedly discovered live explosives hidden underwater after initially believing they had made a large catch during fishing activities.

The discoveries triggered major security responses from bomb disposal experts and investigators amid fears over the circulation of dangerous explosive materials within the country.

Kenya has remained on high alert over the years due to threats posed by extremist groups linked to regional terror organisations, particularly in counties bordering Somalia.

Security agencies have continued to intensify patrols, intelligence operations and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing attacks and disrupting suspected extremist cells before they execute planned missions.

“Security agencies continue to urge members of the public to come forward and share information that can help counter criminal activities and keep the country safe,” the DCI added.

Authorities have also appealed to residents living along major highways and border regions to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities immediately to security agencies.

The incident is expected to renew discussions on security preparedness and counterterrorism efforts as Kenya continues strengthening surveillance and intelligence operations across high-risk regions.

ALSO READ: Busia Residents Nab Ugandans Holding Kenyan IDs Ahead of 2027 General Elections

Security Agencies Foil Suspected Terror Attack on Garissa-Dadaab Road, Recover IED