Security officers from Isiolo recovered assorted illegal firearms from two suspects along Duma-Yamicha road during an operation to crackdown on criminals using ‘panya’ routes to carry out illicit businesses.
Merti Sub County Police Commander Mr. Isaack Sang yesterday said that during the patrol, the police spotted two vehicles whose drivers defied order to stop and sped off.
Sang said the police chased the second vehicle which was a Toyota Probox and the two occupants opened fire on them but they surrendered as the security men overpowered them.
The Police boss said that the security officers managed to recover five magazines, two hand grenades, 128 rounds of ammo, mobile phones and Somali knives upon ransacking the two suspects and the vehicle.
The SCPC said that the driver refused to talk to the police while the other suspect is a Form Four leaver and was helping the law enforcement officers with the investigation.
He added that all ‘panya’ routes used by drugs, firearms smugglers and herders with illegal firearms have been sealed and warned those behind the illegal businesses with dire consequences.
The police commander said that no officer was injured during the exchange of fire and urged herders and elders who graze or water animals along the panya routes to report any suspects to police so that quick actions could be taken to arrest the rampant crime.
“We are yet to establish the source of the firearms, where they were being taken and for what purpose,” Sang said.
He added that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation will be completed.
by Abduba Mamo
