Mogadishu, Somalia – The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has issued a stern warning to Somalia’s business community and traders, urging them to refrain from any form of engagement with the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, particularly in relation to its coercive money extortion tactic known as Zakawat.
In an official statement released today, NISA disclosed that it is closely monitoring all financial activities connected to Al-Shabaab’s illicit revenue streams.
The agency emphasized that Zakawat, a term used by the group to disguise its extortion demands as religious charitable contributions, is a direct form of terrorist financing and poses a severe threat to national security and economic stability.
“Those who provide financial support to Al-Shabaab—whether under pressure or voluntarily—are complicit in funding terrorism and will face the full force of the law,” the statement read.
NISA underscored that engaging in any transactions with Al-Shabaab not only undermines government efforts to stabilize the country but also endangers the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, particularly in areas recovering from conflict and insecurity.
The intelligence agency reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling the group’s financial networks and called on the public, especially merchants and traders, to report any attempted extortion or threats from the group. NISA also warned that failure to cooperate with law enforcement efforts could result in criminal prosecution.
The warning comes amid a broader government crackdown on terrorism financing, part of ongoing operations to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities. Authorities have recently intensified efforts to trace, freeze, and dismantle the group’s funding sources across both urban and rural regions.
This announcement follows recent security alerts and military offensives aimed at liberating territories under Al-Shabaab control. As part of this national campaign, the government continues to encourage community resistance against the group’s intimidation tactics.
NISA concluded its message by assuring the business community that protective mechanisms are being put in place to safeguard those who resist illegal payments and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.