Security agencies warn of youth in the country being targeted by Al-Shabaab returnees. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Security agencies have expressed concern that Al-Shabaab returnees are targeting young people to join the terror groups.
Boni Enclave Campaign director Joseph Kanyiri said the returnees are radicalizing youth who are idle and urging them to carry out acts of violence in various parts of the country.
Mr Kanyiri said the recent terror attacks in Bodhei, Ijara and other areas bordering the Boni forest which is an official operation zone are clear proof that the perpetrators are under the guidance of local networks and most inevitably, Al-Shabaab returnees.
The government last week extended its security operation in Boni Forest for an unspecified period in Garissa, Lamu and Tana River counties in a bid to flush out Al-Shabaab terrorists who have been hiding in the forest.
Mr Kanyiri said his office had received more than enough Intel indicating that some of those posing as returnees are still working for the terror group.
He said that the returnees were secretly coming back into the county without notifying the authorities and are being involved in recruiting and training youths to join the terror group.
“They come back quietly, then meet up and form some sort of cell after which they start recruiting and training local youth who are then used to launch attacks. We are giving them the chance to surrender or we move in because we know exactly who they are,” said the director.