Police intensify search for most wanted terror suspect‏

Police have zeroed in on most wanted terror suspect Abdullahi Banati as the mastermind of a group targeting security forces in parts of the North Eastern region.

According to a security brief seen by the Sunday Nation, the group’s operations include an intelligence wing that shares information on potential targets.

Mr Banati is not a new name to the police, but he has remained elusive. despite efforts to locate him.

He is thought to be part of a group that operates between Somalia and Kenya carrying out attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) targeting the police.

A source within the security agencies this week told the Sunday Nation that it is suspected Mr Banati led the group of terrorists that planted the IEDs which killed 11 police officers last month in Garissa County.

“Our officers traced his activities and his team to the border, and we believe they escaped to Somalia immediately the attack took place, but we shall get him,” said the source who spoke in confidence.

Our source further revealed that Mr Banati has been receiving aid from a some refugees who reside within the vast Dadaab Camp who police are also tracking down.

His name has featured in all the three deadliest attacks that have taken place in Kenya over the years. He is said to have joined the terror group in 2012.

In the Dusit D2 attack- his name featured adversely with the police believing that he played a key role in the transportation of the fighters who participated in the attack from Somalia to Kenya.

Police also said that he played a similar role in the 2013 West Gate attack.