- The attack occurred on September 4 along Hagadera–Biyamathobe road at Toka Junction.
- Victim identified as Mahammud Zeylici, a member of Macawisley militia.
- Three others, including a driver, sustained serious injuries.
- Police confirm firefight forced militants to retreat.
- Security operation launched in the area amid rising Al Shabaab threats.
Al Shabaab militants staged an ambush on a joint security team in Toka, Garissa County, killing one and leaving three others with serious injuries.
The attack happened on Thursday, September 4, at around 6 pm along the Hagadera–Biyamathobe road. The victims were members of the National Police Reservists (NPR) and Macawisley, a local clan-based militia that works alongside security agencies to combat terrorism in the region.
Police confirmed that Mahammud Zeylici, a member of the Macawisley, was shot dead during the firefight. Their driver and two others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the IRC hospital for treatment.
According to police, the security team was travelling in a vehicle when gunmen opened fire. A gun battle ensued, forcing the attackers to retreat into the bush. Witnesses reported that the militants were armed with rifles.
The ambush comes amid reports that the group had been spotted in the area plotting an attack.
A major operation has since been launched to pursue the assailants. Authorities say Al Shabaab fighters frequently cross into Kenya through porous border points to carry out attacks, which have heavily disrupted civilian and security operations in northeastern Kenya.
Police believe local sympathisers continue to aid the militants, with civil servants and security officers often targeted.
The region remains one of the most volatile in Kenya due to its proximity to Somalia, a country plagued by instability since the collapse of President Siad Barre’s regime in 1991. Despite international peace efforts, Al Shabaab continues to exploit the fragility to mount cross-border attacks.
