NISA Foils Suspected Attack in Mogadishu, Arrests Suspect

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has said it foiled a suspected militant attack in Mogadishu, arresting a man allegedly carrying a hand grenade during a joint security operation with police.

The suspect, identified as Hassan Nur Muse, also known as Makane and Ali Sabti, was detained in the KPP neighbourhood of Hodan district after NISA officers detected suspicious activity, the agency said in a statement.

According to NISA, officers from its community security unit spotted the suspect as he was allegedly preparing to carry out an attack. He attempted to flee and discarded a hand grenade before being apprehended without injury.

The agency did not identify the intended target or provide further details about the alleged plot. The claims could not be independently verified.

The arrest comes as NISA intensifies intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing attacks in Mogadishu, where Al-Shabaab militants have repeatedly targeted government institutions, security personnel and civilians.

The militant group has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade and continues to carry out attacks despite sustained military offensives in southern and central parts of the country.

Although Somali security forces have stepped up operations in the capital, the threat of attacks remains a major challenge, with authorities increasingly relying on intelligence gathering, surveillance and cooperation with local communities to identify suspected militant activity.

NISA said its community security personnel, trained to detect and prevent militant attacks, played a central role in identifying the suspect before he could allegedly carry out his plans.

The agency said it would continue strengthening counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State-linked militants, urging residents to share information about potential security threats.

NISA has intensified efforts to disrupt suspected militant plots before they develop into attacks, as Somali authorities seek to improve security in the capital.