GAROWE – The Commander of the Puntland Police Force, Brigadier General Muumin Abdi Shire, has implemented a leadership reshuffle within the regional police, appointing a new commander for the elite Birmadka unit and two new unit leaders, according to a statement from the police command.
The changes, announced on Sunday, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the command structure and operational capacity of the Puntland police force. In a directive issued by the Puntland Police Command, Senior Lieutenant Jaamac Maxamuud Yuusuf was appointed as the new Commander of the Birmadka Unit. The officer is a veteran of the recent military operations in the Calmiskaad mountains.
Leadership changes within Puntland’s security apparatus have been a recurring theme, with President Said Abdullahi Deni previously implementing a major reshuffle of the regional security team in October 2022, which included the appointment of the current police commander, Brigadier General Muumin Abdi Shire.
Birmadka Unit Restructured
The Birmadka unit, a specially trained force responsible for security and rapid response operations, has received new leadership as part of the shake-up. Captain Cabdirisaaq Maxamed Dhanbaal was appointed as the commander of the 1st Unit, while Captain Cabdimudallib Cabdi Shire was named commander of the 2nd Unit.
Captain Cabdimudallib Cabdi Shire is a veteran of the Laascaanood conflict, having been among the Puntland forces captured during the fighting. He and other captured personnel were later released.
Puntland authorities have frequently restructured their security and administrative posts, including a reshuffle in June 2023 that changed the leadership of several regional police commands.
Modernisation and Training
The leadership changes come as Puntland continues to invest in the modernisation and professionalisation of its security forces. The Birmadka unit has recently undergone restructuring and training to enhance its capabilities, with some members having recently completed training at the Carmo police training academy.
Puntland’s police chief has previously issued warnings against individuals carrying weapons without authorization, reflecting the regional administration’s broader efforts to enforce security discipline and curb the proliferation of armed groups.
Context of the Changes
The reshuffle occurs against a backdrop of heightened political and security tensions between the Puntland administration and the federal government. Puntland has recently barred federal-linked troops from operating in its territory, underscoring the region’s determination to maintain control over its security affairs.
Puntland authorities have sent additional troops to major cities and bolstered security forces at checkpoints outside Bosaso, Garowe, and Galkayo, marking a sharp rise in tensions between the regional administration and the federal government in Mogadishu.
Way Forward
The appointment of new commanders for the Birmadka unit and its sub-units is expected to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the force and enhance its ability to respond to security challenges. As Puntland continues to assert its authority over security matters in the region, the professionalisation of its police force remains a key priority for the regional administration.
