Somalia’s intelligence agency arrests nine suspected al-Shabab members in Mogadishu

Saturday August 8, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said Friday it arrested nine suspected al-Shabab members accused of planning attacks and disrupting security in Mogadishu and surrounding areas.

NISA said in a statement that the suspects were arrested in Garasbaley, Kahda and neighborhoods around Elasha Biyaha following an intelligence operation targeting the militant group’s networks.

The agency said four of those arrested were members of a network allegedly preparing attacks against civilians and security targets in the capital.

NISA said it had monitored the suspects’ activities for an extended period before conducting investigations and gathering information that led to their arrests.

The suspects remain in custody while authorities conduct further investigations. NISA said they will be referred to judicial authorities for prosecution once the investigation is completed.

The agency credited members of the public for providing information that helped security forces identify and track suspected militants and urged residents to continue reporting information about the activities of al-Shabab and the Islamic State group.

The arrests come as Somali security forces intensify operations against al-Shabab in central and southern Somalia, where the militant group has carried out attacks despite government efforts to weaken its networks and recapture territory.