Security forces foil Nairobi terror plot, recover weapons

Security agencies have foiled plans by Al-Shabaab to carry out a major attack in Nairobi during the holy month of Ramadhan, following months of intelligence-led operations.

Police said the disrupted plot targeted crowded areas in the capital and was expected to result in mass casualties. Investigations indicate the suspects were also exploring plans to kidnap foreigners and hijack vehicles as part of a broader terror campaign.

The operation followed sustained surveillance and covert intelligence gathering on a suspected terror network operating within the Dadaab Refugee Complex in Garissa County.

Security officers recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition believed to have been destined for Nairobi.

These included five AK-47 rifles, at least 600 rounds of ammunition, pistols, grenades, explosives, and narcotics, police said.

Authorities believe the weapons were being assembled for coordinated attacks timed to coincide with Ramadhan, which began on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Officials did not immediately disclose the number of suspects arrested or whether charges had been preferred, saying investigations are ongoing.

The fate of those linked to the alleged plot also remains unclear.

Security agencies have heightened patrols and surveillance in Nairobi and other major towns as a precautionary measure.

“Nairobi remains safe because of the brave young men and women in our security agencies who spend long hours tracking down dangerous terrorists and criminals,” a senior police officer said.

Kenya has faced repeated threats from Al-Shabaab, particularly due to its military involvement in Somalia under the African Union mission.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.

The Dadaab refugee camp has long been regarded as a breeding ground for terrorism.

The latest development comes less than two weeks after Kenya's intelligence team flagged 13 terrorism-financing accounts following months of financial analysis and investigations.

The accounts, held by ten Kenyans, two Tanzanians, and one Ugandan, were frozen by the Financial Reporting Centre for allegedly receiving, storing, or transferring funds to support extremist activities.