Kenya Prevents Major Al-Shabaab Attack Planned for Nairobi During Ramadan
Dadaab, 19 February 2026
Kenyan security forces have successfully thwarted a significant terrorist plot by Al-Shabaab targeting Nairobi during the holy month of Ramadan. Following months of covert surveillance, authorities dismantled a terrorist network operating from Dadaab refugee camps, seizing over 600 rounds of ammunition, pistols, grenades, and explosives destined for the capital. The intercepted plans revealed intentions to conduct mass casualties attacks, kidnap foreigners, and hijack vehicles during Islam’s holiest period. This successful counter-terrorism operation demonstrates Kenya’s enhanced security capabilities as the country prepares to reopen its border with Somalia in April 2026 after nearly fifteen years of closure due to Al-Shabaab threats.
Intelligence Operation Disrupts Terror Network
The Counter Terrorism Policing Kenya announced on Thursday, 19 February 2026, that its forces had successfully disrupted an Al-Shabaab terrorist network that had been operating within the Dadaab refugee complex [1][3]. The operation followed months of covert surveillance and intelligence gathering activities conducted by Kenyan security agencies [1][3]. According to official statements posted on the Counter Terrorism Policing Kenya’s X (formerly Twitter) account, the terrorist cell had been planning to execute a major attack during the holy month of Ramadan [1].
Substantial Weapons Cache Seized
Security forces confiscated a significant arsenal of weapons and explosives during the operation, including more than 600 rounds of ammunition, pistols, hand grenades, explosive materials, and narcotics [1][3]. All seized materials were reportedly destined for targets within Nairobi [1]. The weapons were intercepted in Guurow, according to Osman Ibrahim, chairman of the Dadaab security committee [3]. This substantial cache underscores the scale and seriousness of the planned terrorist operation that authorities successfully prevented.
Ramadan Attack Strategy Revealed
Intelligence reports revealed that the Al-Shabaab operatives had specifically planned to execute their attack during Ramadan, timing their assault to coincide with Islam’s holiest month [1][3]. The Counter Terrorism Policing Kenya stated that the terrorists were also considering the possibility of kidnapping foreigners and hijacking vehicles as part of their broader operational strategy [1][3]. These tactics align with Al-Shabaab’s historical pattern of targeting civilians and creating maximum disruption through multiple simultaneous threats.
Border Reopening Plans Amid Security Concerns
This thwarted attack comes as Kenya prepares to reopen its border with Somalia in April 2026, marking the end of nearly 15 years of closure implemented due to Al-Shabaab attacks [3]. The border closure was initially imposed following a series of devastating terrorist incidents, including the 2013 Nairobi shopping centre attack that killed 67 people and the 2015 Garissa University attack that claimed 148 lives [3]. President William Ruto has emphasised that the separation of Kenyan citizens in Mandera from their relatives and neighbours in Somalia due to the prolonged border closure is unacceptable [3]. The reopening decision follows comprehensive security assessments and plans for increased troop deployments to ensure border security [3]. The Dadaab refugee camp, established in 1991, currently houses approximately 500,000 refugees and remains a focal point for security concerns [3].