Irunduni: The National Government has initiated the construction of a multi-agency command centre in the Basir area of Eldas North Sub-County. This strategic move aims to combat drug trafficking and human smuggling along a significant transit corridor.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wajir County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo stated that the facility is designed to boost security operations in the remote area. The region has long been recognized as a primary route for illicit activities. Ngumo highlighted that the Basir corridor, located over 200 kilometers from Wajir town, presents challenges to security forces due to its vast expanse, which traffickers exploit for transporting drugs and smuggling undocumented migrants.
Ngumo remarked, “This area has been a major route for trafficking of drugs, especially marijuana sourced from neighboring countries, passing through Marsabit, Wajir, Isiolo and onward to other parts of the country.” He further explained that the project is a collaborative effort between the Cou
nty Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) and the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), with support from Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan. The command centre will accommodate various security units, including the General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Ngumo emphasized that this integrated approach will fortify coordination among security agencies, minimizing the chances of compromise in addressing organized crime. He affirmed the government’s commitment to halting drug trafficking and human smuggling, noting the detrimental impact of these activities on the youth and the country’s future. Ngumo urged local residents to support the project, emphasizing that the facility will benefit not only Wajir County but also neighboring counties of Marsabit and Isiolo.
Wajir County Administration Police Commander David Nyadera praised local residents for their cooperation with security age
ncies through community policing initiatives. Nyadera expressed confidence that the command centre will bolster surveillance and response efforts, complicating criminal operations in the area. “We assure residents that once this facility is complete, it will not be possible for traffickers to continue using this route. We will arrest and prosecute those involved in illegal activities,” he stated. Nyadera encouraged the community to maintain close collaboration with security officers to ensure the initiative’s success.
