Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers stationed in Garissa County have dismantled a suspected poaching ring. This followed a carefully planned midnight operation that led to the arrest of six individuals and the recovery of illegal wildlife cargo and a firearm.

Acting on reliable intelligence indicating that a motor vehicle was transporting armed suspects and contraband wildlife products, KWS officers took up strategic positions along the Garissa – Daadab road at Alango Arba in Fafi Sub-County.

In the dead of night, the suspects unknowingly drove into the waiting trap and were intercepted while travelling in a white Suzuki Alto, registration KDC 529C.

Among those arrested was Ali Idow Yussuf, 66, who was found in military-style clothing and in possession of a loaded AK-47 rifle with 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as an additional magazine carrying 30 rounds.

He claimed to be a National Police Reservist based in Gadude. The remaining five suspects were identified as Fuad Hussein Mukhtar, 30, who was behind the wheel, alongside Mahat Diriye Hussein, 34, Hassan Jehow Diriye, 56, Idle Farah Dagane, 52, and Hussein Ibrahim Abdulrahman, 45.

A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered roughly 200 kilograms of suspected giraffe meat and a giraffe head carcass, estimated to be worth Ksh 200,000.

Seven mobile phones, believed to have been used to coordinate the illegal trade, were also recovered.

The recovered firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits at KWS Garissa Station, while the suspects were first held at Garissa Police Station before being transferred to KWS Headquarters in Nairobi, where they are awaiting formal charges.

The operation stands as a testament to the dedication of KWS officers in safeguarding Kenya’s wildlife, demonstrating that those who seek to exploit the country’s natural heritage will be pursued regardless of the hour.