NISA Accuses Armed Men Linked to Former President Sharif of Threatening Mogadishu Security

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has accused armed men it says are loyal to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of attacking and obstructing security personnel in Mogadishu, raising concerns over tensions between state security forces and groups allegedly linked to political figures.

In a statement issued Sunday, NISA condemned what it described as repeated armed provocations against its People’s Guard personnel operating in the General Daud neighbourhood of Wadajir district, in the capital’s Banadir region.

The agency alleged that the armed men, whom it said were acting under the former president’s command, had attempted to provoke a confrontation with security forces. It said its personnel exercised restraint to avoid clashes that could endanger civilians.

According to NISA, evidence gathered by its investigators showed that the armed men, carrying AK-47 rifles, PKM machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, had forcibly entered residential properties in the Tiintiinley area of Wadajir district.

The agency also linked the group to two earlier incidents in June. It alleged that armed men attacked its personnel on June 24 and abducted an officer who was on duty. Three days later, on June 27, the same group allegedly obstructed security operations in the General Daud neighbourhood.

NISA did not provide details about the circumstances of the reported abduction, whether the officer was subsequently released or whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incidents.

The allegations could add to political tensions in Mogadishu, where disagreements between the federal government and opposition figures have periodically raised concerns about the involvement of armed groups in political disputes.

In its statement, NISA maintained that it operates under the law and independently of political competition, insisting that its personnel would not be drawn into political confrontations.

The agency said it remained committed to maintaining security in the capital and preventing activities that could threaten public safety.

There was no immediate response from Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to the allegations, and Goobjoog News could not independently verify NISA’s account of the incidents or the alleged links between the armed men and the former president.