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Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has arrested five suspected al-Shabab militants accused of planning to secretly enter Mogadishu and carry out attacks aimed at destabilizing the capital. The arrests, announced on Friday, followed a carefully planned intelligence operation that authorities say was based on close monitoring of the suspects’ movements and activities.
According to NISA, the group was part of an active al-Shabab network operating within Somalia and preparing to launch coordinated attacks in Mogadishu. Security officials said the suspects had been under surveillance for some time, allowing intelligence officers to move in before the alleged plot could be carried out. While the agency did not disclose the exact locations of the arrests or the specific targets involved, it confirmed that the operation was successful in preventing potential harm.
During the arrests, NISA said it seized a cache of explosives, weapons, and vehicles believed to have been prepared for use in terrorist attacks. Officials described the materials as evidence that the suspects were in advanced stages of planning, posing a serious threat to public safety and national security. The agency did not provide further technical details but emphasized that the items recovered would play a key role in the ongoing investigation.
NISA stated that all five suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to judicial authorities for prosecution in line with Somalia’s legal system. The agency stressed that due process would be followed and that the suspects would face trial based on the evidence gathered during the operation.
In its statement, NISA also highlighted the importance of cooperation between security agencies and the public. The agency credited Somali citizens for providing information that helped disrupt the alleged plot, noting that public vigilance remains one of the most effective tools in preventing attacks before they happen. Officials urged residents to remain alert and to report any suspicious behavior through official channels.
“NISA thanks Somali citizens for their continued cooperation and support,” the agency said, encouraging the public to share information related to al-Shabab or the Islamic State group. The statement reinforced that timely tips from civilians can save lives and help security forces act quickly against emerging threats.
Al-Shabab, an armed group linked to al-Qaida, has carried out numerous deadly attacks across Somalia over the years, with Mogadishu frequently being a primary target. The group often targets government buildings, security forces, hotels, and busy public spaces in an effort to undermine the federal government and spread fear among civilians. Despite sustained pressure, the group continues to attempt high-profile attacks, particularly in urban centers.
In response, Somali authorities, with support from international partners, have intensified intelligence gathering, counterterrorism operations, and military campaigns aimed at weakening al-Shabab’s networks. These efforts include dismantling sleeper cells, cutting off financing routes, and strengthening security in major cities. Officials say recent arrests and operations reflect progress in disrupting planned attacks and improving overall security in the capital.
While challenges remain, security agencies insist that continued collaboration between the government and the public is critical. They say preventing attacks before they occur not only protects lives but also supports Somalia’s broader efforts to restore stability and rebuild trust in state institutions. The latest arrests, NISA said, send a clear message that planned violence will be detected and stopped through coordinated intelligence and community support.