Six police officers were injured on Friday morning after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) linked to the militant group Al-Shabaab struck a police vehicle in Mandera County.
According to a police report recorded under OB No. 9/13/03/2026, the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. along the Elwak–Wargadud Road as officers from Elwak Police Station were travelling to Udole Pit on a relief mission.
IED Blast and Ambush
Police said the officers were travelling in a police Land Cruiser driven by Police Constable Hillary Kiplagat when the vehicle was struck by a directional IED while overtaking a passenger bus heading toward Mandera town.
Authorities indicated that the explosion was followed by an ambush by suspected Al-Shabaab militants, a tactic commonly used by the extremist group in Kenya’s northeastern region.
The blast caused significant damage to the police vehicle, shattering the windscreen, breaking side mirrors and damaging the doors. Two rear windows of the passenger bus were also broken by the explosion.
The bus driver reportedly sped away from the scene without stopping following the attack.
Officers Injured
Those injured in the incident include:
- Corporal Kipkurui Kosgei, who sustained bruises on the left hand and complained of general body pain.
- Police Constable Hillary Kiplagat, the driver, who suffered bruises and body pain.
- National Police Reservist Jibril Aliow Omar, who sustained bruises on both hands and the abdomen.
- National Police Reservist Abdi Ali Issack, who suffered a cut above the left eye and body pain.
- National Police Reservist Hussein Issack Mohamed, who sustained injuries above the left eye and to the abdomen and leg.
- Ali Noor Issack Sheikh, who suffered an injury to the right hand and complained of back pain.
Police confirmed that the remaining officers from the 15-member team travelling in the vehicle were accounted for and reported to be in stable condition.
Security Operation Launched
Following the attack, security personnel visited the scene, including troops from the Kenya Defence Forces, who launched operations to pursue the attackers.
Mandera County, which borders Somalia, has experienced repeated attacks by Al-Shabaab militants targeting security forces, government installations and civilian transport along key roads in the region.
Authorities said investigations into the incident are ongoing as security agencies intensify operations to track down those responsible.
