Kenya Wildlife Service officers in Garissa County have intercepted a group of six suspected poachers and recovered an AK-47 rifle alongside 200 kilograms of giraffe meat and a giraffe head carcass in an operation carried out along the Garissa–Daadab road.
The suspects were arrested during a night ambush at Alango Arba (Hagarbul) in Fafi Sub-County after officers acted on intelligence indicating that a vehicle was transporting armed individuals and illegal wildlife products.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the suspects were caught shortly after their vehicle was stopped as it entered the area where officers had set up the operation.
The white Suzuki Alto, registration number KDC 529C, was found carrying six individuals who were taken by surprise during the interception.
Those arrested include Ali Idow Yussuf (66), who was armed with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and had an additional magazine containing 30 rounds. Authorities also reported that Yussuf was dressed in jungle combat attire and identified himself as an NPR officer based in Gadude. The other occupants of the vehicle were Fuad Hussein Mukhtar (30), who was driving, Mahat Diriye Hussein (34), Hassan Jehow Diriye (56), Idle Farah Dagane (52), and Hussein Ibrahim Abdulrahman (45).
A search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of the giraffe meat and the giraffe head carcass, which authorities estimate to be worth about Sh200,000. Officers also seized seven mobile phones, which are believed to have been used in coordinating the suspected illegal activity.
“This serves as a powerful reminder that even under the cover of night, the long arm of the law remains vigilant,” the DCI statement noted.
Following the arrest, the suspects were first held at Garissa Police Station before being moved to the Kenya Wildlife Service Headquarters in Nairobi, where they are expected to face charges. The recovered firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits at the KWS Garissa Station.
The operation highlights ongoing efforts by wildlife protection agencies to tackle poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife products, which continue to threaten Kenya’s biodiversity. Authorities have also encouraged members of the public to share information on wildlife crimes through anonymous reporting channels.
Members of the public are encouraged to report wildlife crimes anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 (toll-free) or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
