Mogadishu –The Commander of the Banadir Regional Police Division, Senior Colonel Mahdi Omar Mumin, has denied reports that the land of the Fire Brigade compound in Mogadishu, from which residents were recently evicted, has been transferred to private individuals or businesspeople.

Speaking to the media at the Fire Brigade Headquarters, the commander described the allegations as fabricated and baseless, stressing that the land is public property belonging to the Somali Police Force.

He explained that the site will be used for several state projects, including a maintenance centre for police vehicles, a university affiliated with Madina Hospital, and facilities for the Fire Brigade itself. He underlined that all these projects fall under the Police and are government-led, with no links to private investors.

The commander acknowledged that residents had been removed from the area by the government due to security considerations and a broader development plan, adding that this decision still stands. He noted that whenever the government widens roads or strengthens security, it is important that these plans are implemented rather than allowing such areas to remain zones of disorder and insecurity.

“The Fire Brigade land belongs to the Police, and government institutions are being built there. Claims that it has been given to businessmen are mere speculation. Government facilities performing important public functions are what is being constructed,” he said.

Moallin Mahdi also issued a strong warning to individuals spreading what he termed misleading and disruptive information that could misguide the public, stating that such actions could lead to legal proceedings.

He stressed that neither officers nor civilians are above the law, and that any member of the security forces who shares information with the media that is not in line with legal provisions will face appropriate legal measures.

He added that public land designated for roads and urban improvement cannot remain occupied under conditions of chaos and insecurity, and that no authority will permit continued settlement there in violation of government plans.