Police on Friday recovered a firearm and arrested one suspect in Meru during a security operation.
According to a report by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the security operation was led by a combined team of detectives from Buuri East Subcounty and officers from Kathare Police Station.
The suspect, believed to be the mastermind behind a series of robberies that had unsettled residents in Buuri East Constituency was arrested during the operation.
"Ignited by a tip-off from vigilant community members, the operation led the officers to the suspect's hideout in Buuri East Subcounty," a statement by DCI said.
Efforts of the detectives and police officers bore fruit after a meticulous search of the suspect’s residence.
The thorough inspection led to the uncovering of a sterling assault rifle.
The detectives reported that the firearm appeared to have been modified by the suspect, its buttstock appeared to have been dismantled and the barrel shortened.
The authority disclosed that the suspect might have modified the assault rifle so as to conceal it.
"Additionally, they recovered 18 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition and a magazine wrapped in a nylon bag cleverly concealed in a basin full of clothes," the statement said.
The suspect was arrested, processed and is expected to face formal charges soon.
This operation displays the critical role of community vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to prevent crime in community areas.
The DCI has urged the public to reveal any information on suspicious and illegal activities in their area.
The DCI urged the public to anonymously report any incidents through the hotline on 0800722203.
Police have in the recent past intensified war on crime across the country.
Last week, at least four guns were recovered in separate police operations that saw 16 suspects arrested.
In the first incident, detectives from Nakuru Central Police Station successfully dismantled a suspected gang of violent robbery suspects who had been striking terror in the hearts of innocent residents of Eveready area in Nakuru and recovered a Ceska pistol.
Acting on vital tips from vigilant locals, the detectives executed a swift raid at the suspects' house in Soilo area in Nakuru West Subcounty.
Their meticulous search bore fruit, uncovering a Ceska pistol (serial no. 75P07) with a loaded magazine of 12 rounds.