By Nyaboga Kiage
Friday January 5, 2024
The GSU tanker that was hit by an IED at Banane Area. PHOTO| COURTESY
Police have initiated investigations into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack that occurred on the night of Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in Liboi Sub-County, Garissa.
According to a police report obtained by Nairobi News, the in-charge of the General Service Unit (GSU), Hamey, reported that the attack took place as they were heading to Hargadera to pick up off-duty officers.
“The vehicle was hit by an IED at Banane Area which is approximately two kilometers from Damajale location which is 80 kilometers from the station,” the report read in part.
Fortunately, all officers in the police land cruiser escaped unharmed, except for one affected by the loudness of the explosion caused by the IED.
Photos depict extensive damage to the front part of the vehicle.
While every officer on board has been accounted for, intelligence reports suggest that the attack might have been orchestrated by Al Shabaab terrorists operating in the vast North Eastern region.
A multi-agency team has been deployed to the area to root out militants believed to be hiding in nearby bushes.
This incident coincides with the Ministry of Interior’s plans to enhance the equipment of police officers nationwide.
The government aims to allocate part of the Sh182.5 billion budget to import modernized equipment for both police officers and those attached to the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF).
The initial shipment, costing Sh7 billion, includes Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), and surveillance drones, with the first batch set to arrive in January.