Operation Linda Boni Director Joseph Kanyiri at a past function [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Operation Linda Boni Director Joseph Kanyiri has said that the presence of suspected ‘Al Shabaab terrorists in Lamu is almost at zero level.
According to the Star, Kanyiri hailed the officers behind the operation for their commitment and dedication to restoring security in the region following the operation, which was launched in 2015 by the late Interior Cabinet secretary Joseph Nkaissery.
He also thanked the residents of Lamu for cooperating with the Kenya Defense Force (KDF) and other units in the fight to smoke out suspected gangs from their hideouts.
“We are grateful to wananchi for their cooperation. They played a great role in giving tips and information,” he said, as quoted by the local daily.
This comes after the government dismissed requests to compensated persons who were displaced because of incessant attacks from the militiamen in the region.
The operation's boss also said that the suspects have been killed and others forced to escape to the neighboring country of Somali following the launch of the operation. He further said that the region has not witnessed a major attack in the recent past since the troops entered the forest.
“Since the operation began, we haven’t had any large-scale attack like the one in Mpeketoni in June 2014 [about 60 people were killed. Each day, we try to improve the situation,” he added.
The boss also said individuals who commit crimes and then run back to Somalia are one of the greatest challenges they have been encountering.