Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has outlined stronger security measures across Nairobi.
Police commander Issa Mohamud announces stronger surveillance as officers investigate an alleged robbery accomplice and four teenage suspects.
A Nairobi robbery crackdown has recovered 100 mobile phones that police believe criminals stole from the public. Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud announced the recovery while outlining stronger security measures across the capital.
In his November 9 update, Mohamud described the intelligence-led operation as a breakthrough against street robberies. He also said police were targeting illicit firearms, illegal brews, drugs and armed robbers.
Nairobi robbery crackdown targets crime hotspots
Mohamud said police had strengthened surveillance and response measures in areas experiencing increased muggings and phone snatching. Meanwhile, the National Police Service and other security agencies have increased cooperation to tackle the robberies.
The operation also extends to officers suspected of helping criminals, with one officer remaining in custody. Police are investigating allegations that the officer helped criminals carry out a robbery that members of the public reported.
Mohamud said police would not shield officers implicated in criminal activity. He added that anyone involved in crime would face arrest as investigations continued. The measures combine closer monitoring of crime hotspots with action against suspected accomplices within the service.
Four teenagers arrested in Dandora
Police also arrested four boys aged between 13 and 16 in Dandora during the operation. They suspect the teenagers belong to a wider group that snatches phones from motorists, pedestrians and matatu passengers.
The alleged group operates in Dandora, Kayole and Umoja. Officers also recovered several handsets believed to have been stolen during the operation involving the teenagers.
In an earlier operation on August 16, detectives raided a stall at Platinum Plaza on Tom Mboya Street. They arrested a suspect linked to receiving and flashing stolen phones.
A search uncovered 38 assorted phones, three laptops and a desktop computer. Detectives then sought to establish how the suspect had acquired the devices.
