At least five police officers were killed and five others injured in a deadly ambush by al-Shabaab militants in Lamu’s Boni Forest on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the government has confirmed.
The officers, all members of the elite Special Operations Group (SOG) had been tracking the suspected militants for two days based on intelligence reports suggesting they were planning a large-scale attack from a hideout deep within the forest.
The officers were ambushed while in pursuit of the terrorists in the Lehelo area, where they came under heavy gunfire from a well-coordinated attack.
According to police sources, the attackers, heavily armed with AK47 rifles and wearing hooded clothing, had laid in wait for the officers.
Despite the overwhelming assault, security forces believe the militants also suffered casualties during the fierce exchange, although the exact number of militants killed remains unconfirmed.
The injured officers were quickly flown to Nairobi for specialized medical treatment, with their condition described as serious but stable.
The identities of the fallen officers are being withheld pending family notifications, as the country mourns the loss of these brave men who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The attack marks another grim chapter in the ongoing battle against al-Shabaab militants, who have continued to launch incursions into the country’s border areas, especially in Lamu and the wider coastal region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the ambush during a visit to Nairobi West Hospital, where he met with the injured officers.
This latest attack underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabaab, which has been increasing its activity in the region.
The militants have long used the dense forest as a base of operations, recruiting local fighters and planning raids on nearby communities.
In recent months, there have been reports of militants lecturing locals about the importance of adhering to strict Islamic teachings, warning them not to cooperate with government forces.
Authorities are urging local residents to provide any information that could lead to the capture of the attackers and dismantle their support networks.
A multi-agency operation, dubbed “Operation Linda Boni,” has been ongoing in the region for years, aiming to eliminate the al-Shabaab presence in the forest.
The operation has already claimed the lives of more than 100 security officers over the years, and the toll on both security forces and local communities continues to grow.
