LOWER SHABELLE — Somalia’s Police Counter-Terrorism Command, acting on intelligence, conducted a successful operation codenamed “Waabari” in the Jambaluul area of Lower Shabelle region on April 18, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., authorities confirmed .
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) joined the operation, during which special counter-terrorism forces dismantled an illegal checkpoint and a base utilized by Al-Shabaab militants to extract illicit taxes from civilians using the road in Jambaluul .
Officials reported that the deceased commander, identified as Zakariye, was responsible for issuing receipts for collecting illegal payments from road users in the area. Two additional militants were wounded during the raid, identified as Xasan Cabdirahman, who was managing the Jambaluul area, and another commander named Geele .
Weapons and Evidence Seized
Security forces additionally retrieved extortion receipts, weapons, and a motorcycle that belonged to the killed militant .
The operation forms part of continuous efforts by the Somali Police Force, specifically its Counter-Terrorism Command, to address public complaints regarding unlawful taxation enforced by Al-Shabaab militants on civilians . Officials stated that such raids aim to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s revenue streams and protect local communities .
Ongoing Efforts to Dismantle Extortion Networks
In a separate operation in July 2025, the Somali National Army, in coordination with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), dismantled an illegal checkpoint established by Al-Shabaab fighters in Busleey village on the outskirts of Janaale town in Lower Shabelle region. That checkpoint had been a critical tool for the group’s criminal activities, used to extort money from civilians, impose illegal taxes, disrupt local trade, and severely restrict the free movement of residents .
Somali security forces have intensified operations against Al-Shabaab’s extortion networks across the country. The militant group has long relied on illegal taxation of civilians, businesses, and road users as a primary source of funding for its insurgency .
Police Commitment to Counter-Terrorism
Police Commissioner Asad Osman Abdullahi has previously emphasized the importance of proactive strategies to prevent threats while also upholding public trust and transparency as key priorities. His remarks highlighted the need for a balanced approach — ensuring robust security operations while maintaining accountability and community confidence in law enforcement efforts .
Elite Police Training and Capacity Building
The Somali Police Force has initiated an advanced training curriculum for specialized units of the Police Dervish (Daraawiish) force, aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities and improving security response measures, with support from the European Union. The selected units receive specialized instruction in contemporary counter-terrorism methods, advanced combat techniques, and operational protocols, with a curriculum that prioritizes adherence to both national legislation and international human rights norms .
The Somali Police Force has also graduated new cohorts of its elite Crisis Response Team (CRT), a specialized unit tasked with rapid deployment in response to terrorist attacks, hostage situations, and other high-risk incidents. The CRT, established with international support, has become a frontline force in Mogadishu and other urban centers where security challenges remain acute .
International Partnerships for Security
Commissioner Abdullahi has chaired high-level security meetings aimed at tightening the country’s border management systems and improving inter-agency cooperation to counter cross-border threats, bringing together key national and international partners including the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, INTERPOL, and the Somali Coast Guard. The initiative underscores the government’s growing determination to enhance national security through collaboration, not only among domestic institutions but also with international allies .
“Our borders are the first line of defense for our nation’s safety. Strengthening coordination across agencies and with our partners ensures that Somalia can better detect and prevent transnational crimes,” the Commissioner said .
The Somali Police Commissioner has also held high-level meetings with Iraq’s Interior Minister in Baghdad to explore ways of strengthening security cooperation and sharing expertise in counterterrorism and policing. Both officials acknowledged that Somalia and Iraq, though geographically distant, share a common struggle against terrorism and violent extremism .
Commitment to Civilian Protection
The Waabari operation demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting civilians from militant exploitation and dismantling the financial infrastructure that sustains Al-Shabaab’s insurgency . Officials have reiterated that security forces will continue targeting militant checkpoints and extortion hubs across the country .
The Somali Police Force has reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing operations aimed at eliminating militant presence and ensuring the safety and security of civilian populations .
