Chemical Explosives Cache Seized in Lower Shabelle as NISA and Local Forces Foil Terror Plot

LOWER SHABELLE – The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), supported by local community defence forces, has foiled a planned terrorist plot after seizing chemical substances intended for manufacturing explosives in the coastal dune area near Jilib Marka in the Lower Shabelle region.

The chemical materials, contained in more than one hundred jerricans, were discovered buried in the area after Al-Shabaab, referred to by the government as Kharijites, had hidden them when they realised security forces were tracking their movements.

Joint operations between Somali security forces and Macawisley fighters have increasingly targeted militant hideouts and disrupted terrorist networks. The success in Jilib Marka underscores the growing effectiveness of community-led intelligence in pre-empting attacks.

The Commander of the National Security Forces in Marka district, Mohamed Sheikh Hassan, highly commended the local forces. He noted that the regional Macawisley spotted holes where the jerricans were buried while patrolling between Marka and Gandarshe and subsequently shared this intelligence with the Lower Shabelle security command. The commander stated that operations against the terrorists would be redoubled.

Checkpoints and illegal tax collection posts used by Al-Shabaab have been systematically dismantled in the region, part of a broader campaign to restore public safety and economic normalcy in Lower Shabelle.

The Commander of the local forces, Mohamed Osman Indho-giir, also stated that the jerricans contained various types of powders which are the chemicals the Kharijites use to manufacture explosives with the intention of massacring the public.

Macawisley Prove Critical in Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The operation highlights the crucial role of community-based Macawisley forces who have been instrumental in providing actionable intelligence and supporting national security forces.

Local militias have played a key role in recent offensives, including operations in Middle Shabelle that eliminated over 70 Al-Shabaab militants alongside government forces. Their intimate knowledge of local terrain and networks has made them a formidable partner in counter-insurgency efforts.

Intensified Campaign Against Explosives Infrastructure

This seizure follows a pattern of intensified efforts by NISA to degrade Al-Shabaab’s capacity to produce lethal explosives. In recent months, security forces have dismantled multiple factories and storage facilities.

The elite Gaashaan unit destroyed a key explosives compound in Dhanaane, Lower Shabelle, which was used to store IEDs destined for Mogadishu and other areas.

NISA forces have also conducted coordinated raids in the Kuunyo Barrow area, destroying six large industrial generators actively being used to manufacture IEDs and eliminating nine militants, including senior operatives.

Renewed Pledge for Ongoing Operations

The successful discovery of the chemical stockpile reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating all terrorist capabilities in the country. The government has consistently called for public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activity as security forces maintain the upper hand in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Commander Mohamed Sheikh Hassan’s pledge to intensify operations aligns with the broader national strategy of targeting both the leadership and the logistical supply chains of the insurgents, ensuring that such dangerous materials cannot be used to harm civilians.