AMISOM confirms arrest of five of its troops

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has confirmed that five of its soldiers were arrested in Mogadishu, yesterday, for alleged involvement in illegal sale of military supplies and fuel.

The soldiers were arrested in a joint operation conducted by AMISOM and the Somali Police Force, following investigations that have been on-going into the matter.

According to press statement issued by the body states that AMISOM had previously received information that its soldiers were allegedly involved in illegal activity.

The statement noted that AMISOM acted decisively to investigate the matter in coordination with the Somali Police Force.

The investigation culminated in a joint operation to apprehend the soldiers, who were found in possession of fuel and sand bags.

On Sunday, Five soldiers working for AMISOM have been arrested by Somali security forces for selling military supplies and fuel in the black market in Mogadishu.

The forces also arrested ten civilians who said to have been accomplices, according to Somali Police Commissioner, Gen. Mohamed Hassan Hamud

“We arrested 5 AMISOM troops and 10 other Somali people who were selling AMISOM military supplies including fuel in Mogadishu. We recovered telephones ammunition materials and petrol and others,” Hamud said.

The mission has over 22,000 peacekeepers supporting the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia.