2 arrested as police hunt armed gang after robbery, shooting on Garissa road
By Kiprono Keileb, January 27, 2026Two persons of interest have been arrested following a robbery with violence and a separate shooting incident along the Alikune–Dagahaley Road in Garissa County, as police intensify a manhunt for an armed gang believed to be behind a series of attacks targeting road users and nearby residents.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said officers moved quickly after receiving reports of the attacks, focusing their efforts on tracking down those responsible and preventing further violence in the area.
In its statement explaining the initial police response to the incidents, the NPS detailed how officers reacted once the report was received.
“In response to a report of a robbery with violence and a separate shooting incident that occurred along the Alikune–Dagahaley Road, police officers took immediate action, launching a relentless pursuit of those responsible for terrorising road users and residents,” the NPS statement reads.
Police said the operation was led by officers on the ground who were familiar with the area, working together with detectives to trace the suspects’ movements and identify those involved. Giving details on the first arrest, the NPS said a coordinated effort led to the capture of one suspect within Dagahaley town.
“Officers from Dagahaley Police Station in Garissa County, led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Dagahaley and working jointly with the Dadaab Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) team, successfully tracked and apprehended a 26-year-old suspect within Dagahaley Market,” the statement reads.
Investigators said the arrest opened a critical breakthrough in the case after the suspect cooperated with officers and disclosed how the crimes were carried out, including the use of a firearm. Explaining what was recovered following the suspect’s confession, the NPS said officers were led to a hidden weapon.
“Upon arrest, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the crimes, revealing that the firearm used had been hired specifically to carry out the attacks. He then led officers to a concealed site where an AK-47 rifle was recovered. The weapon was found wrapped in a jacket, concealed inside a gunny bag, and buried underground. A magazine loaded with three rounds of ammunition was also recovered,” the statement reads.
The investigation later led police beyond Dagahaley town as they followed new leads linked to the persons of interest’s accomplices. Describing the second arrest, police said the suspect guided them to a residence inside a refugee settlement.
“The operation yielded a further breakthrough when the suspect led officers to a residence in Bula Kheir Village, within the Ifo Refugee Camp, where his accomplice was arrested,” NPS statement on X reads.
Police confirmed that both persons of interest are now in custody as detectives continue piecing together the events surrounding the attacks. In its update on the ongoing operation, the NPS said efforts to track down another suspect are still underway.
“Both suspects have been taken into police custody as investigations continue,” the statement reads.
The police also said security teams remain on high alert in Garissa County as the search continues.
“The search for one other suspect is ongoing. The National Police Service is maintaining heightened vigilance and reaffirms its commitment to decisively combat violent crime and ensure the safety of all residents in Garissa County,” part of the NPS statement reads.