Mogadishu, Somalia – The Immigration and Naturalization Directorate of Somalia has announced the arrest of a Somali-origin individual holding European nationality on suspicion of human trafficking at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport.
According to a brief statement issued on Monday, immigration officers detained the suspect during routine passenger screening. Authorities allege that the individual was attempting to facilitate the illegal movement of people through the airport, though no details were provided regarding the number or identity of potential trafficking victims.
The Agency withheld the specific European country whose passport the suspect was carrying, citing ongoing investigations.
“The individual is currently under interrogation and will be prosecuted in accordance with Somali law,” the statement read, adding that the arrest forms part of broader efforts to crack down on transnational criminal networks exploiting migration routes through Somalia.
The Horn of Africa nation has increasingly become both a source and transit corridor for irregular migration, with traffickers often targeting vulnerable youth seeking routes to the Middle East or Europe.
Authorities pledged to intensify airport surveillance and cooperate with international partners to curb trafficking operations.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.