Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced that it is tracking of Abdullahi Wadad, a senior Al-Shabaab member and the group’s head of extortion for the Benadir region.
The announcement, made on Friday, underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the militant group’s operations.
Al-Shabaab has long relied on extortion and taxation of businesses and individuals as a key source of revenue to fund its activities, including attacks on government and civilian targets.
By warning businesses against engaging with Wadad, the agency aims to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s financial networks and reduce its capacity to carry out operations.
This move is part of a broader strategy by Somali authorities and their international partners to weaken the group’s influence and control, particularly in urban centers like Mogadishu, which is located in the Benadir region.
The success of such efforts depends on cooperation from local businesses and communities, as well as effective intelligence and law enforcement operations.
However, the challenge remains significant, given Al-Shabaab’s entrenched presence and the complex security environment in Somalia.
Continued pressure on the group’s financial and operational capabilities is crucial to undermining its resilience and advancing stability in the region.