More Kenyan security personnel were deployed to the Kenya-Somalia border after al-Shabaab militants launched fresh attacks.
Officials say they fear the gang will carry out more attacks in the area before the festive season, hence the stepped up operations.
There are concerns that al-Shabaab militants may target non-locals after schools and other activities are closed ahead of the festivities.
Following reports of increased terrorist activity in the area, Inspector General Hilary Mutyambai increased patrols.
The latest attempt occurred on Monday morning, when the gang raided a mosque and tried to steal 40 worshipers in Konton, Wajir County.
The police said that a gang of five people raided a local mosque and took hostage about 40 believers.
The gang ordered them out and attempted to drive them into a thicket heading towards Kenya’s border with Somalia.
They targeted an imam who is also a National Police Reserve. He was leading prayers at the time.
The gang had to abandon their mission after shots were fired, which forced them to flee.
The NPR on the ground caught wind of the abduction and took emergency action, which sent the gang running for their lives.
Police chief Hilary Toroitich confirmed the incident and said no injuries were reported.
“We have sent a reinforcement to help in tracking the gang,” he said.
In the past, gangs have abducted and killed government officials in the area without making demands.
In 2020, a chief was killed in the area after he was abducted.
The region is one of those affected by terrorism-related insecurity.
Al-Shabaab terrorists are behind a series of events that have grounded operations.
On Saturday, three al-Shabaab terrorists died after the bomb they were setting off accidentally exploded in Damasa, Mandera County.
According to the police, the incident took place outside of Damasa in Nus Dariq village.
Attacks in the region are grounding operations, including transportation, due to the persistent attacks.
Several locals have reported sightings of gunmen in separate locations while planning attacks, raising fears of more attacks.
According to government security agencies, 30 per cent of the country’s security issues are caused by the porous Somalia border, which is frequently infiltrated by terrorists.
In 2015, Kenya began construction on the 700-kilometer-long wall.
The wall, also known as the Kenya-Somalia border securitization project, is intended to protect Kenya from the attacks of Somalia-based al-shabaab terrorists.
Immigration and custom entry points will be equipped with a two-foot-tall concrete wall fitted with CCTV cameras as part of the project plan.
Additionally, trenches are being constructed in the area.
At least 22 border posts are proposed on the border with well-equipped personnel to deal with any aggression.
Upon completion, the teams will be located 40 kilometres apart to enable them to quickly respond to attacks from militants.
Mandera and Lamu fences have greatly reduced the number of attacks by militants who crossed at will.