Five Elite Officers Killed, Five Injured in Al-Shabaab Ambush in Lamu’s Boni Forest

At least five elite officers from the Special Operations Group (SOG) were killed on Tuesday evening in a deadly ambush by suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists in Lamu’s Boni Forest.

According to security sources, the officers were pursuing the militants following intelligence reports suggesting an imminent attack when they fell into the trap. Five other officers sustained injuries during the firefight and were later airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment.

Lamu County has seen heightened Al-Shabaab activity in recent months. In March, the militia stormed Mangai village, lectured residents, distributed dates, and warned them against alerting authorities—a tactic that has drawn national concern over the group’s growing boldness.

A recently released report on violent extremism indicates that security forces remain primary targets, with terrorists increasingly using explosives along key patrol routes to disrupt counterterrorism operations. The report also highlighted a worrying pattern in Lamu, where non-local workers are specifically targeted.

In 2024 alone, Lamu recorded 20 deaths from eight terror-related incidents, underscoring the growing security threat in the region.

Authorities say efforts are underway to neutralise the militant threat and restore calm to the troubled forest zone, which has long served as a hideout for insurgents.

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Five Elite Officers Killed, Five Injured in Al-Shabaab Ambush in Lamu’s Boni Forest