Afgooye, Somalia – (Raxanreeb Online)- Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has confirmed the capture of two Al-Shabaab members in a planned security operation carried out overnight in Afgooye town, Lower Shabelle region.

The operation, led by NISA’s elite “Gaashaan” forces, targeted individuals who had infiltrated the area covertly. According to a statement released by the agency, one of the suspects was a senior figure responsible for collecting extortion money on behalf of the group, while the second was identified as a member of Al-Shabaab’s Amniyat wing—tasked with intelligence gathering and planning assassinations.

NISA stated that the arrest of the extortion ringleader follows a formal warning issued by the agency on July 20, which reiterated that paying or collecting funds for Al-Shabaab constitutes the financing of terrorism—a serious offense under Somali law and international regulations.

“The capture of this individual who was in charge of collecting illegal funds for the Khawarij [Al-Shabaab] underscores our commitment to cutting off the group’s financial lifelines,” the statement read. “We once again urge Somali business owners and citizens not to pay any money that could contribute to terrorist financing.”

The agency further appealed to the public to immediately contact security services if they encounter any threats, intimidation, or extortion attempts by the group.