Somali Security Forces Arrest Suspected Al-Shabaab Member in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, October 28, 2026 — Somali intelligence and police forces have arrested a man suspected of planning a security attack in the KPP neighbourhood of Mogadishu’s Hodan district, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said on Wednesday.

The suspect, identified by NISA as Hassan Nur Muse, also known as Makane and Ali Sabti, was detained during a joint operation conducted by NISA and Somali police, according to a statement from the agency. NISA said its public protection units detected the suspect’s movements as he allegedly prepared to carry out an attack in the neighbourhood.

The suspect attempted to flee and threw away a hand grenade he was carrying, but security forces apprehended him without injury, the statement said. The agency did not provide further details about the suspected attack or say whether the grenade had been recovered.

NISA described the arrest as evidence of the security forces’ vigilance and commitment to preventing suspected Al-Shabaab members from operating among civilians. The agency said it would continue to intensify operations aimed at preventing militant attacks, with a focus on protecting the public and maintaining security in the capital.

Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has carried out numerous attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia during its long-running insurgency against the federal government. Somali security forces regularly conduct operations in the capital to disrupt suspected militant networks and prevent attacks on civilians and government targets.

The allegations against the arrested man have not been independently verified.

The suspect, identified by NISA as Hassan Nur Muse, also known as Makane and Ali Sabti, was detained during a joint operation conducted by NISA and Somali police, according to a statement from the agency.

NISA said its public protection units detected the suspect’s movements as he allegedly prepared to carry out an attack in the neighbourhood.

The suspect attempted to flee and threw away a hand grenade he was carrying, but security forces apprehended him without injury, the statement said.

The agency did not provide further details about the suspected attack or say whether the grenade had been recovered.

NISA described the arrest as evidence of the security forces’ vigilance and commitment to preventing suspected Al-Shabaab members from operating among civilians.

The agency said it would continue to intensify operations aimed at preventing militant attacks, with a focus on protecting the public and maintaining security in the capital.