Dozens of security personnel were dispatched to the expansive Kenya-Somalia border following fresh attacks by al-shabaab militants.
Local security officials fear the gang plans more attacks in the area ahead of the festive season and hence the increased operations.
“They usually target non-locals after closure of schools and other activities ahead of the festivities and there are fears of such attempts. We have moved more forces there,” said an official aware of the plans.
Inspector General of police Hilary Mutyambai ordered increased patrols following reports of more terrorist activities in the area.
The latest attempt happened on Monday morning when the gang raided a mosque and tried to abduct 40 worshipers who were present in Konton, Wajir County.
Police and witnesses said a gang of about five had raided a local mosque and took hostage about 40 faithful who were present.
The gang ordered them out and tried to drive them into a thicket heading to nearby Kenya-Somalia border.
Their target was the imam who doubles as a National Police Reservist. He was leading the prayers then.
It was in the process that gunshots were fired forcing the gang to abandon their mission and escape.
Some of the NPR on the ground got wind of the ongoing abduction and acted saving the situation and sent the gang scampering for their safety.
“They got into the mosque while in shoes while in hurry to get the worshipers out and accomplish their mission,” said an official present.
County police boss Hilary Toroitich confirmed the incident and added no injuries were reported.
“We have sent a reinforcement to help in tracking the gang,” he said.
The area has been a center of interest as gangs have in the past abducted government officials and killed them without making demands.
A chief was in 2020 killed in the area after an abduction.
The region is among those affected by insecurity related to terrorism.
Al-shabaab terrorists are behind the series of incidents that have grounded operations.
Three al-shabaab terrorists were Saturday killed by a bomb they were setting up went off accidentally at a village in Damasa, Mandera County.
Police said the incident happened in Nus Dariq village outside Damasa in Kenya.
There are concerns the persistent attacks are grounding operations in the region.
Transport has been grounded as there is little movements in fear of attacks.
There are fears of more attacks after locals reported sighting more gunmen roaming in separate places while planning to strike.
Research by government security agencies says 30 per cent of the country’s security problems are traced to the porous Somalia border often penetrated by terrorists.
Kenya began the construction of the 700-kilometre long wall in 2015.
The wall, which is known as the Kenya-Somalia border securitisation project is among others meant to secure the country from attacks by the Somalia-based al-shabaab terrorists.
The project plan includes having designated immigration and custom entry points with a two-foot-tall concrete wall fitted with CCTV cameras.
Trenches are also being constructed in the area.
The plan includes the creation of at least 22 border posts on the border with well-equipped personnel to respond to any form of aggression.
Officials say once complete, the teams will be spread 40 kilometres apart to enable quick response to attacks from militants.
The fence especially in Mandera and Lamu has helped reduce incidents of attacks by the militants who often crossed at will.