Puntland Police Seize Military Uniforms, Arrest Driver Amid Galkayo Security Crackdown

GALKAYO – Puntland security forces have intercepted a vehicle carrying 250 military uniforms in the divided city of Galkayo, arresting the driver and intensifying a crackdown on what authorities describe as efforts to destabilize the region amid escalating tensions with the Federal Government and the neighbouring Galmudug administration.

The Mudug Regional Police Command said the Toyota Noah, bearing registration number WQ 713, entered Galkayo from the Galmudug-administered side of the city. Security agencies had been monitoring the vehicle’s movements before intercepting it in a coordinated operation. The driver was taken into custody for questioning, and an investigation has been launched to establish the origin and intended destination of the uniforms, as well as to identify any individuals or groups involved in their transportation.

A Divided City Under Strain

Galkayo, the capital of the Mudug region, lies along the boundary between Puntland and Galmudug and is divided between the two regional administrations. The city has experienced repeated conflict in the past but has largely remained peaceful since a reconciliation agreement nearly nine years ago. That settlement helped stabilize one of Somalia’s most volatile cities, but growing tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government have renewed concerns that political disputes could once again threaten the fragile security gains achieved through years of cooperation.

The interception of the military uniforms comes amid a broader pattern of federal-state tensions that have brought Puntland and the Federal Government dangerously close to armed confrontation. Puntland authorities have sent additional troops to major cities and bolstered security forces at checkpoints outside Bosaso, Garowe, and Galkayo, marking a sharp rise in tensions between the regional administration and Mogadishu[reference:0].

Accusations of Weapons Smuggling

The latest security operations come amid a broader political and military confrontation between Garowe and Mogadishu. Puntland has accused the Federal Government of transporting weapons into Galkayo with the intention of destabilizing the regional administration and undermining security in Puntland-controlled areas. Puntland Deputy Minister of Security Abdirahman Yusuf Dujaana told Radio Galkayo that the regional government has evidence that the weapons were brought into the city and are currently located in the Galmudug-administered side of Galkayo. “The city of Galkayo has received weapons intended to destabilize Puntland’s security, and we will take the necessary security measures to protect ourselves,” Dujaana said.

Puntland issued a formal warning to Galmudug State on July 25, accusing the federal government of orchestrating military movements intended to destabilise the region and undermine Puntland’s governance structures. In a statement, Puntland described President Mohamud as a “term-expired president” and said it was closely monitoring military activities in and around its territories[reference:1]. The statement specifically called on Galmudug not to allow its airports and territory to be used for the transit of military supplies, weapons or militias that Puntland said could be used to attack or destabilise its communities[reference:2].

Troop Deployments and Security Talks

Tensions have been rising in Galkayo following the reported deployment of troops to the Galmudug-controlled side of the city by Somalia’s federal government. The troops are said to include forces from Puntland that support President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration. Puntland has responded by deploying additional forces from other parts of its territory to Galkayo, raising fears of a new confrontation between the two administrations.

Puntland has announced that it will not allow troops associated with the Federal Government to be stationed in or move through Puntland territory, reaffirming its authority over security issues within its jurisdiction[reference:3]. The decision followed a cabinet meeting chaired by President Said Abdullahi Deni[reference:4]. There are currently 1,376 soldiers stationed within Puntland whose salaries are financed directly by the federal government, with state officials alleging that the purpose of these payments is to bypass Puntland’s command structure[reference:5].

In response to the escalating situation, Puntland and Galmudug officials held security talks in Galkayo on July 29. The meeting, chaired by Puntland’s Deputy Minister of Security and Galmudug Security Minister Aden Warsame Ilmi, brought together regional, district, and security officials from both administrations to assess the security situation in Mudug region and strengthen coordination between the two sides. Following the meeting, members of the Mudug Regional Security Committee toured both sides of the city and told reporters that regular security coordination remains essential to maintaining stability and public confidence.

A Broader Pattern of Tensions

The interception of the military uniforms is the latest in a series of incidents that have heightened tensions in the region. Puntland forces have also seized eight military vehicles belonging to the PSF, which Puntland authorities have accused of having links to the federal government in Mogadishu. The Puntland administration has reiterated that the Puntland Security Force (PSF) does not legally exist within its defence structure, rejecting any federally registered military units operating inside its territory without authorisation[reference:6].

The dispute reflects broader political tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government, which have intensified amid disagreements over the country’s political and security arrangements. Jubaland State has issued a formal statement backing Puntland against the Federal Government, as the already fractured relationship between Mogadishu and the country’s federal member states deepens into what analysts now describe as a structural crisis[reference:7]. Both Puntland and Jubaland have rejected the federal government’s constitutional amendments, which abolish the title of “president” for regional leaders[reference:8].

The talks also come on the eve of Galmudug’s disputed regional election, scheduled for Thursday in Galkayo. The election campaign has intensified in recent weeks, with opposition groups questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process, raising concerns that political tensions could affect security in the region.

Meanwhile, Puntland security forces have reportedly seized weapons and detained armed personnel in the Bari region whom authorities claim were registered under the Federal Government. The incident follows recent clashes involving forces allegedly linked to the PSF, further deepening the security dispute between Puntland and Mogadishu. A confrontation in Galkayo could threaten security gains made in recent years and risk reigniting tensions in a city that has previously experienced deadly clashes.

Way Forward

The interception of the military uniforms and the arrest of the driver represent a significant security operation by Puntland forces, but they also highlight the deepening rift between Garowe and Mogadishu. The accusations and counter-accusations over weapons shipments, troop deployments, and security arrangements have created a volatile environment in Galkayo, a city that has been a flashpoint for conflict in the past.

The talks between Puntland and Galmudug officials offer a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, but the underlying political tensions remain unresolved. Deni has accused President Mohamud of “breaking the country apart” and warned that Somalia’s political crisis had reached a critical point requiring immediate action[reference:9]. Without a concerted effort to address the broader political disputes between the federal government and regional states, the security situation in Galkayo and the surrounding Mudug region is likely to remain fragile. Residents and local authorities now face renewed concerns that the growing concentration of forces on both sides could lead to further violence unless tensions are contained.