On Saturday, 24 May 2025, eleven Somali journalists were detained and intimidated by officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Mogadishu. The operation took place in broad daylight and involved both uniformed and plainclothes officers across several locations in the city, including Maka Al-Mukarama Road and other central areas.

The journalists, representing five different media organisations, were reporting on public opinions regarding the return of opposition politicians to Mogadishu and the anticipated resumption of political activities. The detained journalists were:

Goobjoog Media Group

1.  Ja’far Abdirisaq Mohamed – Cameraman Operator (Male)

2.  Shukri Hashi Abdi – Reporter/Journalist (Female)

3.  Ayanle Abdinur Ali – Cameraman Operator (Male)

4.  Sundus Ali Botan – Reporter/Journalist (Female)

Somali Cable TV

5.  Ismail Yabarow Hassan – Reporter/Journalist (Male)
6.  Mohamed Adan Hassan – Cameraman Operator (Male)

Shabelle Media Network

7.  Abdiasis Abdulqadir Salah – Reporter/Journalist (Male)
8. Abdiasis Yusuf So’dal – Cameraman Operator (Male)

SYL TV

9.   Abdirahman Abdulle Roble – Cameraman Operator (Male)
10. Hassan Ahmed Taakow – Reporter/Journalist (Male)

Five TV

11.  Abdirahmaan Ahmed Hassan – Cameraman Operator (Male)

According to reports, the journalists were briefly arrest without formal charges. They were subjected to threats and pressured to delete all videos and interviews they had recorded, including footage featuring members of the public. Officers from NISA reportedly ordered the deletion of these materials.

Following the incident, officials contacted senior NISA leadership seeking clarification on the reasons for the operation. No formal explanation was provided, and the directive to delete journalistic material was not denied.

This incident is part of a series of recent events involving journalists in Mogadishu and highlights challenges faced by media professionals covering political matters in Somalia.