Police arrest two people, recover AK47 rifle in Isiolo

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested two people with an AK47 rifle and 128 rounds of ammunition in Merti, Isiolo County on Sunday night.

The two, Abdi Fatah Ibrahim and Yusuf Mohamed, were arrested while aboard a Toyota Probox by detectives who were patrolling Duma-Yamicha Road.

“Spotting two suspicious vehicles both make Toyota Probox, the joint team of officers from DCI Merti and Yamicha Police Post signaled them to stop, but instead the two vehicles sped off,” the DCI posted on its official Twitter account.

A hot pursuit therefore ensued, before the two onboard one of the vehicles with registration number KCY 576H, opened fire at the police officer.

“A move that triggered an exchange of rapid shots in self-defense,” police said.

The suspects, however, surrendered after they were cornered by the officers.

A search in their car led to the recovery of the AK47 rifle, 128 rounds of ammunition, five magazines and nine magazine pouches, a military jungle belt, two mobile phones and several pen knives.

According to the DCI, the other vehicle managed to get escape the police snare, but detectives have since launched a hunt for other suspects involved.

Police say Ibrahim and Mohamed are currently being interrogated by the Bomb Disposal Unit and Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.