The Government has credited coordinated security operations for dealing a major blow to banditry and terrorism, with more than 2,000 illegal firearms and 15,000 rounds of ammunition recovered during operations targeting criminal groups across the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the achievements were made through the work of the Special Operations Group (SOG) alongside other security agencies, adding that the unit has played a leading role in improving security in the Kerio Valley and other areas that have experienced persistent attacks.
“More than 2,000 guns and 15, 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized from bandits and terrorists,” Murkomen said.
The CS made the remarks on Thursday during the 11th graduation ceremony of the Special Operations Group at Kamanga Training Camp in Samburu County, where 122 officers completed six-and-a-half months of intensive specialised training.
He praised the graduates for successfully completing the tough programme, saying the country now has another group of highly trained officers ready to take on difficult assignments in the fight against crime and threats to national security.
Murkomen said the officers had acquired the skills needed to respond to modern security challenges, including violent extremism, organised criminal activities and threats that cut across Kenya's borders.
“You are called upon to confront violent extremism, disrupt organised criminal networks, combat cross-border threats, protect critical national infrastructure, and support specialised operations where precision, discipline, and professionalism are paramount,” he told the officers.
He noted that the work of the Special Operations Group goes beyond responding to attacks, saying the unit remains an important part of efforts to prevent insecurity and safeguard the country's stability.
Murkomen said the Government will continue investing in closer cooperation among security agencies so that potential threats are detected in good time and stopped before they put lives and property at risk.
He also recognised the role played by the National Intelligence Service and the National Police Service in supporting the achievements recorded by the specialised unit.
According to the CS, close coordination among security agencies has become more important as criminals and terrorist groups continue to change their methods in an attempt to avoid detection.
Murkomen further said the Government remains committed to ongoing reforms aimed at building stronger, more efficient and people-focused security institutions capable of responding to the country's changing security needs.
He urged the newly graduated officers to remain disciplined and professional in every assignment, reminding them that the public would judge them by how they carry out their duties.
The CS said they would be deployed to protect critical national infrastructure, support specialised missions and help dismantle organised criminal networks that threaten the country's security.
Senior security officials attended the ceremony, among them National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Ali and Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli.