Nairobi, February 24- Security agencies have arrested 17 suspects following a large-scale operation targeting rising crime in the Coastal region, the National Police Service has confirmed.
The intelligence-led crackdown involved heightened patrols, enhanced surveillance and coordinated efforts between multiple security units. It was launched in response to an increase in criminal activities reported across parts of the region.
Authorities noted a surge in armed robberies, house break-ins, drug trafficking and violent land-related conflicts, particularly in Kilifi County. The crimes had reportedly caused fear among residents and disrupted normal activities.
All 17 suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court. During the operation, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, more than 35 kilograms of suspected narcotics including bhang, heroin and cocaine, over 40 mobile phones and SIM cards believed to have been used in coordinating criminal activities, as well as crude weapons such as machetes and clubs. Police uniforms and other government property were also seized.
In a separate but related development, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested two additional suspects linked to the February 17 robbery and abduction of a businessman in Kisauni Sub-County. The victim had reportedly been attacked by masked assailants, robbed and later abandoned.
Security agencies have vowed to sustain the operations and urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could help curb crime in the region.
