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The Commander of Banadir Regional Police, Mahdi Omar Mumin, has issued a firm warning to police officers against giving their weapons to civilians. His statement comes after a recent incident at Mogadishu Football Stadium, where a police officer was arrested for allegedly handing over his gun to young men who later filmed themselves with it and circulated the videos on social media. A civilian was also detained in connection with the incident.
Mahdi said such behavior is unacceptable and puts public safety at serious risk. He stressed that any officer found guilty of this act will face prosecution and strict legal consequences. According to him, civilians are also prohibited from obtaining or handling police weapons, as doing so threatens peace and security in the community.
“The police clearly warn all officers not to hand over their weapons to the public. Likewise, civilians are prohibited from obtaining or playing with weapons. Videos that threaten public security will not be tolerated, and anyone involved will face strict legal action,” Mahdi declared in his statement.
The police chief’s warning highlights growing concerns over a trend in which some young people in Mogadishu have been seen posing with weapons in videos shared online. Such videos have sparked public alarm, raising fears that guns are being trivialized and treated as entertainment props rather than tools of law enforcement and national security.
The specific case at Mogadishu Stadium has drawn particular attention because the venue is currently hosting a popular football tournament between districts in the Banadir region. The games have attracted large crowds, mostly young people, making it an especially sensitive location for any activity linked to weapons. Authorities say that allowing civilians to access firearms in such settings creates an unnecessary danger and undermines the trust between the public and the police.
In response to the incident, security agencies have launched a wider crackdown across Mogadishu. Since last Friday, police have arrested several youths accused of engaging in activities considered harmful to public safety within the stadium and surrounding areas. Officials say the crackdown aims to discourage risky behavior that could escalate into more serious security threats.
The issue of weapons being misused is not new in Somalia, where decades of conflict have left the country awash with firearms. However, the involvement of uniformed officers in giving guns to civilians adds a new layer of concern. Mahdi’s warning appears designed not only to deter officers from repeating such mistakes but also to reassure the public that the police are committed to protecting them rather than endangering them.
Observers note that the crackdown may also serve as a reminder of the importance of discipline within the police force. At a time when Somali security institutions are under pressure to maintain stability, any lapse in responsibility can erode confidence in their ability to safeguard citizens. Handing over weapons to civilians, even in a seemingly playful context, risks sending the wrong message about the seriousness of law enforcement duties.
The arrest of the officer involved at Mogadishu Stadium is being seen as a test case for how strictly the authorities will enforce Mahdi’s directive. If the officer faces prosecution, it may set a precedent for how similar cases will be handled in the future. Civil society groups have welcomed the police chief’s strong words, urging that they be followed with action to prevent further incidents.
Ultimately, the message from Banadir’s police leadership is clear: weapons are not toys, and both officers and civilians will be held accountable if they treat them as such. The warning signals an effort to close the gap between law enforcement responsibilities and public expectations, especially at a time when Mogadishu is working hard to project an image of stability and safety.