Mogadishu (Raxanreeb Online) —The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has officially prohibited Somali citizens and businesses from financing Al-Shabaab, warning that any contributions—including those disguised as religious dues such as “Zakawaad” or “Baad”—constitute criminal support for terrorism.

In a public statement issued Saturday, NISA stressed that it is closely monitoring financial movements that may be aiding terrorist activities. The agency confirmed that active investigations are underway to track individuals and networks involved in sending money to the militant group.

“Anyone who pays what the Khawarij (Al-Shabaab) call Zakawaad is directly engaging in the crime of financing terrorism, as outlined under Somali national laws and relevant international counterterrorism regulations,” the agency said.

The intelligence body warned that anyone found guilty of providing or facilitating such payments would face swift legal consequences in cooperation with other security agencies.

NISA urged Somali citizens, especially entrepreneurs and business owners, to resist extortion by Al-Shabaab and report any pressure or threats immediately to security authorities.

“We remind the Somali public that countering terrorist financing is a shared responsibility,” the statement concluded. “Only through collective action can we safeguard national security, peace, and the integrity of the Somali state.”

The announcement comes amid heightened national efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s financial networks and tighten enforcement against those enabling the group through economic means.