Six individuals are now in custody following a sweeping security operation targeting violent criminal gangs across Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.

Acting on credible intelligence, detectives moved in on profiled gang members linked to the notorious “panga boys,” a group that has been behind a wave of violent attacks that have unsettled coastal communities in recent weeks.

Those arrested have been identified as Nicholas Mumba Chisiwa, Haniff Iqbal Sharbaz, Salim Mafuko Hamis, Ali Musa Mwachimwandi, Sadik Hamis Mwanzembe, and Samuel Gitonga.

During the arrests, officers recovered an assortment of crude weapons alongside narcotic substances, findings that align with prior intelligence linking the suspects to both violent intimidation and drug-related criminal activity.

All six suspects are currently being processed as detectives press ahead with investigations into multiple related incidents still under active review.

Security agencies say they remain on high alert and are actively pursuing other members and facilitators connected to these criminal networks.

Authorities confirm that the operation is still ongoing.