Somali Police Step Up Security Measures Ahead of National Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s police force has announced a new push to reinforce national security ahead of the country’s anticipated elections, as authorities move to counter persistent threats from armed insurgents.

Police Commissioner Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi convened senior commanders and unit heads in Mogadishu on Thursday to review the national security situation and accelerate the implementation of a new security development plan.

According to police officials, the meeting focused on coordinated operations aimed at restoring stability and countering attacks by Al-Shabaab and other armed groups. Brig. Gen. Abdullahi instructed all divisions to intensify operations and maintain high readiness across the country.

The Commissioner said the force remains committed to creating a secure environment for Somalia’s upcoming one-person, one-vote elections — a milestone in the nation’s democratic transition.

“We are prioritising the safety of citizens and the integrity of the electoral process,” Abdullahi said, urging officers to fully enforce the updated security strategy.

The meeting also signaled a stronger focus on public cooperation. Police called on residents to report suspicious activities and support local security efforts, part of a broader shift toward community-based policing.

The move comes amid heightened security concerns and repeated attacks by Islamist militants targeting civilians, officials, and infrastructure.

Somalia’s security forces, backed by regional and international partners, continue to face the challenge of securing major towns and remote areas as the country prepares for critical political milestones.