NISA claims to have killed the former finance head of Al-Shabaab in Kuunyo Barrow

MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya — The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced that it killed Faysal Yusuf Macallin Abdulle, who previously managed the finances of Al-Shabaab, in a planned operation that took place on October 23 in the Kuunyo Barrow area of the Lower Shabelle region.

NISA stated that Faysal, also known as Cabdikariin Horseed or Gaagaale, was formerly the head of the group's finances and was among the members closely working with its senior leadership.

According to the agency, Faysal secretly joined Al-Shabaab in 2007, at which time he was working in a shop located in Bakara Market in Mogadishu, which NISA claimed was a cover for his activities.

Between 2007 and 2011, he was the head of Al-Shabaab's finance office in the Banaadir region, managing the funds the group extorted from the public, as stated by NISA.

From 2011 to 2014, he became the chief accountant of the group, before taking over the top financial position in that year, which he held until 2024.

Faysal was succeeded in the position by Cabdullaahi Xasan Cabdi Cosoble, known as Cabdullaahi Wadaad. NISA reported that he was also killed in an operation that occurred on January 23, 2026, which was carried out in the same Kuunyo Barrow area.

The agency stated that the killing of these two individuals who succeeded the leadership of Al-Shabaab's finances is a significant blow to the group's leadership and financial networks.

Al-Shabaab, which is linked to the Al-Qaeda organization, has been fighting the federal government of Somalia for more than 15 years. The group carries out attacks against security forces, government officials, and civilians, obtaining funding through extortion and mandatory taxes imposed on businesses and communities in areas under its influence.

NISA has stated that it will continue operations targeting senior members of Al-Shabaab and dismantling the networks of extortion funding attacks against the Somali people.

The agency did not disclose further details about the operation on October 23, nor did it mention if other people were killed.

NISA's claims regarding Faisal's role in the group and the circumstances of his death have not been independently verified.