The development marks a notable turn in Somalia’s political and security landscape, with nISA said its operatives tracked the materials for an extended period before intercepting them in the Jilib Marka area of Lower Shabelle region, a territory where the militant group has long maintained a presence.
The spy agency released photographs showing armed officers standing over yellow containers excavated from the ground, saying the militants had buried them after realising security forces were closing in. Al Shabaab has for years used improvised explosive devices to target government troops, African Union peacekeepers and civilians across the country.
The agency said the seizure was part of a broader push to choke off the group’s logistical networks, saying severing such supply routes was critical to securing the country and creating conditions for economic recovery. The federal government has stepped up operations against Al-Shabaab in recent months, though the militants continue to stage regular attacks across the country, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing Somali and allied forces.
The episode underscores the continuing pressure on Somali institutions as the federal government and regional authorities seek to balance security operations with political stability and public confidence.
