The government’s security crackdown, Operation Ondoa Jangili, is yielding remarkable success in Marsabit, Isiolo, and Samburu counties, with militia groups being neutralized and stability gradually returning to the region.
The operation, spearheaded by the Special Operation Group under the National Police Service, has made significant strides in dismantling the criminal activities of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a militia believed to have originated from Ethiopia. For years, the group has terrorized local communities through abductions, manipulation, and human and drug trafficking, exploiting the porous Kenya-Ethiopia border.
Intelligence reports indicate that key members of the militia have been captured or forced out of their hideouts, weakening their operational structure. The once-dreaded militia, which instilled fear in residents, now finds itself on the defensive as security forces tighten their grip on the region.
For locals, the results are tangible. Reports of banditry and cross-border criminal activities have drastically reduced, bringing a sense of relief to communities that had lived in constant fear. The National Police Service has assured residents that the mission will continue until all security threats are completely neutralized
With the OLA’s activities extending beyond Kenya’s borders, authorities are strengthening collaboration with Ethiopian security agencies to close loopholes that have allowed criminals to operate freely. Security analysts stress that regional cooperation and intelligence-sharing are essential in ensuring that militia activities do not resurface.
The government is also urging local communities to support security efforts by reporting any suspicious activities that could help track down remaining militia elements. With Operation Ondoa Jangili delivering significant gains, authorities are confident that a new era of peace and stability is within reach for northern Kenya.