MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said Friday it arrested five alleged al-Shabab militants accused of plotting to infiltrate Mogadishu and carry out attacks aimed at destabilizing the capital.
In a statement, the agency, known as NISA, said the suspects were detained following an intelligence-led operation that tracked the network’s movements and communications. Authorities said they seized explosives, weapons and vehicles believed to have been readied for use in attacks. NISA did not disclose the locations of the arrests or identify specific targets allegedly under threat.
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The arrests underscore the persistent risk posed by al-Shabab, the al-Qaida-linked group that has repeatedly struck Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia, often targeting government institutions, security forces and civilians. Officials say the government has intensified intelligence and military operations, with support from international partners, to break up militant cells and disrupt plots before they reach urban centers.
NISA said the detained suspects will be referred to judicial authorities for prosecution in line with Somalia’s legal process. The agency credited public cooperation for advancing the case and urged residents to continue sharing information on potential threats.
“NISA thanks Somali citizens for their continued cooperation and support,” the statement said, calling on the public to report any suspicious activity or information linked to al-Shabab or the Islamic State group through the agency’s official reporting channels.
The announcement offered few additional details, a common posture in Somalia’s counterterrorism operations, where officials often withhold operational information to protect sources and ongoing investigations. No injuries or clashes were reported in connection with the arrests.
The developments come amid periodic waves of attacks in the capital—ranging from roadside bombs to complex assaults on hotels and government buildings—that test the resilience of Somalia’s security services and emergency responders. While authorities have touted gains against the insurgency in recent years, militants retain the capacity to exploit security gaps, particularly around logistics corridors into the city.
NISA’s call for public vigilance reflects a broader shift toward community-based intelligence, which officials say is critical for detecting clandestine cells and precursors to attacks, such as the movement of explosives, the procurement of vehicles and the use of safehouses. The agency did not specify whether the seized weapons and explosives were improvised devices or military-grade materiel, nor did it say how close the suspects were to launching an attack.
Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts hinge on coordination among national intelligence, police and military units, as well as on cooperation from local communities. Analysts say timely reporting of suspicious activity—unusual vehicle movements, recent property rentals, or sudden changes in behavior—can provide key leads that prevent mass-casualty incidents.
Key points from Friday’s announcement:
- Five suspects alleged to be part of an al-Shabab network were arrested after an intelligence-led operation.
- Explosives, weapons and vehicles intended for attacks were seized, according to NISA.
- Authorities did not disclose arrest locations or identify planned targets.
- Suspects will be referred for prosecution under Somalia’s legal system.
- NISA urged the public to report suspected al-Shabab or Islamic State activity through official channels.
NISA did not indicate when additional information might be released. The agency reiterated that it would continue operations designed to pre-empt plots within and around the capital, where security forces have increased patrols and checkpoints to deter militant activity.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
