Somalia orders crackdown on military vehicles after deadly Mogadishu prison attack

The Somalia Federal Ministry of Internal Security has ordered all security forces manning checkpoints across Mogadishu to begin inspecting military vehicles, as part of new measures to tighten control over the movement of armed units in the capital.

The directive follows Saturday evening’s deadly attack on the Godka Jilacow prison, which exposed major weaknesses in Mogadishu’s security operations.

In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry said all security agencies are required to “strictly monitor the movement of weapons and military vehicles within the capital.”

According to the ministry, the order is part of broader efforts to prevent further security breaches and ensure that official vehicles are not misused for unlawful purposes.

Military uniforms

Investigations into the assault on the high-security detention centre revealed that the attackers used a vehicle marked with the insignia of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and wore military uniforms.

The discovery has raised serious concerns about the misuse of security markings and uniforms by armed groups attempting to infiltrate restricted areas.

The ministry said the attack highlighted the urgent need to strengthen oversight of military movements in Mogadishu.

“This incident underscores the urgent need to verify and regulate vehicles painted in military colours operating within the capital,” the statement read. “It is imperative that all existing security protocols, regulations, and administrative measures related to the control of weapons and vehicle movements are fully enforced.”

Under the new directive, all vehicles belonging to the Somali National Army, the police, intelligence services, and other security agencies will be subject to inspection at all checkpoints across the city.

Previously, vehicles bearing military or intelligence markings were often allowed to pass without scrutiny — a practice officials now admit has created serious security vulnerabilities.

Verify identification documents

Checkpoint officers have been instructed to verify the identification documents of drivers and passengers of all military-marked vehicles and to ensure that any weapons being transported are properly documented.

Commanders overseeing various checkpoints must also report any suspicious or unregistered vehicles to central command immediately.

Officials acknowledge that the directive may cause longer waiting times and traffic congestion along key roads, but insist the move is essential to restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to secure the capital following a string of deadly attacks.

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• Somalia orders crackdown on military vehicles after deadly Mogadishu prison attack
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The new order is part of a wider security operation that has already seen several major roads closed and additional personnel deployed to key junctions throughout Mogadishu.

Security agencies are continuing investigations to determine how the attackers accessed restricted areas near Godka Jilacow prison and whether the assault involved insider assistance.

Authorities have also begun reviewing the registration system for all official vehicles belonging to the armed forces and other government departments.

The review aims to identify unauthorised vehicles and close loopholes that could enable armed groups to disguise their movements.

The government says it will continue to roll out additional security measures in the coming weeks to prevent further attacks and maintain order in Mogadishu.

The ministry urged members of the public to cooperate with security forces and to report any suspicious military-marked vehicles or unusual activity near checkpoints.