Seventeen suspects have been arrested in a major security operation targeting criminal activities along the Coast region, authorities announced on Monday.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the arrests are part of an intensified crackdown aimed at strengthening public safety and restoring peace across the region.
Coordinated operations involved intelligence-led strategies, increased patrols, enhanced surveillance, and close multi-agency collaboration.
According to the NPS, the Coast has recently witnessed a surge in armed robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, and violent land encroachments, particularly in Kilifi. These incidents have disrupted communities and heightened concerns about security.
As a result of targeted operations, seventeen suspects linked to various criminal activities were apprehended and are currently in custody, pending arraignment in court.
Officers recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, twelve rounds of ammunition, more than 35 kilograms of suspected narcotic drugs, including bhang, heroin, and cocaine, over 40 mobile phones and SIM cards believed to have been used in coordinating criminal acts, and several crude weapons, including clubs and machetes.
Government stores, including police uniforms, were also seized and are being held as exhibits for ongoing investigations.
In another operation, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested two suspects connected to a February 17 robbery and abduction of a businessman in Kisauni Sub-County.
During the incident, masked assailants reportedly robbed the victim of large sums of money and valuables before abandoning him in the Mombasa Cement area.
“Following the incident, the joint team of detectives has been working round the clock, determined to bring the culprits to book and restore sanity within the Coast region, particularly in Mombasa,” the DCI said.
Authorities emphasised that security operations remain ongoing, with intensified patrols in identified hotspots and continued intelligence efforts to prevent further criminal activity.
The NPS urged the public to cooperate by reporting any suspicious activity. “We encourage the public to continue sharing information on any suspicious activity. Reports can be made at any police station, to any law enforcement officer, or via our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, or 112,” the agency said.
The recent arrests are seen as a major step toward curbing crime along the Coast, enhancing safety for residents, and ensuring that perpetrators of violent and organised crime are held accountable.
The NPS reiterated its commitment to protecting communities, safeguarding lives and property, and upholding the rule of law across the region. Authorities said they will maintain sustained operations until the security situation stabilises and communities feel safe once again.
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