Officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service have arrested six suspects and recovered an AK-47 rifle and giraffe meat following a midnight ambush along the Garissa–Daadab road.
According to a statement posted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the operation was intelligence-led and targeted a vehicle suspected of ferrying armed individuals and illegal wildlife cargo in Garissa County.
The officers laid a trap at Alango Arba in Fafi Sub-County after receiving credible intelligence. The ambush was executed at night, catching the suspects unaware.
“The trap was set,” the agency said, adding that the suspects “drove straight into the ambush.”
The officers intercepted a white Suzuki Alto, which had six individuals inside.
Police said one suspect, aged 66, was found armed with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. He also had an extra magazine loaded with 30 rounds stored in a jungle pouch.
He was dressed in jungle combat gear and claimed to be a National Police Reservist based in Gadude.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 200 kilograms of suspected giraffe meat. Officers also found a giraffe head carcass.
Authorities described the discovery as evidence of “the persistent threat of illegal wildlife trade and armed poaching in the region.”
The recovered meat is estimated to be worth Sh200,000. Officers also seized seven assorted mobile phones believed to have been used to coordinate the operation.
The firearm and ammunition have been secured as exhibits at the KWS Garissa Station.
The suspects were first held at Garissa Police Station before being transferred to KWS headquarters in Nairobi. They are expected to be arraigned in court.
The agency said the operation highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement to curb wildlife crime.
“This serves as a powerful reminder that even under the cover of night, the long arm of the law remains vigilant,” DCI said in a statement.
It also noted the role of KWS officers in safeguarding wildlife, describing their work as an unwavering commitment to protect the country’s natural heritage.
The arrests come amid ongoing efforts to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade, which authorities say remain a threat in parts of northern Kenya.
