Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers based in Garissa County have dismantled a suspected poaching syndicate, arresting six suspects.

Officers, intercepted a motor vehicle ferrying armed individuals and illegal wildlife cargo, along the Garissa-Daadab road at Alango Arba (Hagarbul) in Fafi Sub-County, after receiving intelligence.

“Acting on credible intelligence about a motor vehicle ferrying armed individuals and illegal wildlife cargo, the vigilant officers strategically positioned themselves along the Garissa–Daadab road at Alango Arba (Hagarbul) in Fafi Sub-County,” DCI said in a statement.

“The officers swiftly intercepted a white Suzuki Alto, registration number KDC 529C. What followed was a discovery that underscores the persistent threat of illegal wildlife trade and armed poaching in the region,” DCI added.

The officers apprehended six suspects namely; Ali Idow Yussuf, Fuad Hussein Mukhtar-the driver of the vehicle, Mahat Diriye Hussein, Hassan Jehow Diriye, Idle Farah Dagane and Hussein Ibrahim Abdulrahman.

DCI reported that Ali Yussuf 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 tucked in a jungle pouch and was dressed in jungle combat gear, claiming to be an NPR officer based in Gadude

A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 200 kilograms of suspected giraffe meat, alongside a giraffe head carcass.

The haul is estimated to be worth KSh 200,000. Additionally, seven assorted mobile phones were recovered, believed to be instrumental in coordinating the illegal operation.

“The firearm and ammunition have since been secured as exhibits at the KWS Garissa Station. The suspects were initially held at Garissa Police Station before being transferred to KWS Headquarters in Nairobi, where they await arraignment,” said DCI.