41 clans linked to kidnap groups disabled: Esscom

From the Daily Express (Dec 11, 2021): 41 clans linked to kidnap groups disabled: Esscom (By: Efa Rizan)

Ahmad Fuad inspecting the guard of honour during his farewell parade.

LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has destroyed 41 clans involved in Kidnap For Ransom (KFR) and militants, including two in Sabah.

Esscom Commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman disclosed that the two clans linked to Abu Sayyaf were Clan Hatib Munap Binda and Clan Jemaah Group led by Ustaz Mamay Aburi.

The success was due to swift action in carrying intelligence exchange with the Join Task Force Sulu (JTFS) and Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

“During the period I served as Commander of Esscom, my mission and order to the Esscom head of intelligence were well executed in which two major clans of Abu Sayaff Group were destroyed. Upon this success, the emphasis of the intelligence division on addressing key threats in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) will continue despite financial constraints,” he said, at the farewell parade in conjunction with his retirement on Wednesday.

Ahmad Fuad also disclosed that five major operations including three for domestic have been implemented with JTFS to address the ASG activities, KFR group and drug smuggling activities.

“The sharing of intelligence information with the Philippines and Indonesia to maintain Zero Kidnapping has also been fully successful during the period I served as Esscom Commander,” he said.

He said Esscom’s action to strengthen Esszone land and sea borders including the setting up of Sungai Aji Kuning post in Pulau Sebatik, Tawau and gazetting the Road Check Point (RCP) in Sapi Nangoh and Kalabakan were discussed.

To further strengthen security in Esszone, the way forward includes placing General Operation Force posts in populated areas as small police huts for policing and first responder.

“Esscom also suggested the setting up of Forward Operation Base (FOB) of Air Wing Units (PGU) in Tawau for long -term asset placement and maintenance,” he said.

Ahmad Fuad who had been serving in Royal Malaysia Police for 39 years and nine months ends his service on Dec.11.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/183277/41-clans-linked-to-kidnap-groups-disabled-esscom/