By Andrew Kariuki

Six suspected members of a poaching syndicate have been arrested following an intelligence-led operation by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers along the Garissa–Daadab road in Fafi Sub-County.

According to KWS, the operation was conducted at Alango Arba (Hagarbul) after officers received credible intelligence about a vehicle transporting armed individuals and illegal wildlife products.

The officers intercepted a white Suzuki Alto, registration number KDC 529C, and arrested six occupants identified as Ali Idow Yussuf (66), Fuad Hussein Mukhtar (30), Mahat Diriye Hussein (34), Hassan Jehow Diriye (56), Idle Farah Dagane (52) and Hussein Ibrahim Abdulrahman (45).

Ali Idow Yussuf was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as an additional magazine containing 30 rounds. Authorities said he was dressed in jungle combat gear and claimed to be a National Police Reservist based in Gadude.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 200 kilograms of suspected giraffe meat and a giraffe head carcass. The consignment is estimated to be worth KSh 200,000.

Officers also recovered seven mobile phones believed to have been used in coordinating the illegal operation.

The firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits at KWS Garissa Station. The suspects were initially detained at Garissa Police Station before being transferred to KWS headquarters in Nairobi, where they are awaiting arraignment.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to dismantle poaching networks in the region.