Thursday September 25, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali police said Thursday that armed militias linked to opposition figures stormed Mogadishu’s Warta Nabadda police station, freeing detainees facing serious charges and causing deaths, injuries, and damage to the facility.
The Somali Police Force said the assault took place Wednesday while Police Commander Maj. Gen. Asad Osman Abdullahi and Banadir Regional Police Commander Brig. Gen. Mahdi Omar Mumin were on site for an inspection. Militias loyal to a former national leader carried out the attack, police said, injuring officers, killing and wounding detainees, and damaging vehicles and infrastructure.
In a statement, the force condemned the “heinous attack” and warned the public not to be drawn into groups intent on destabilizing the country. “The Somali police warn the public not to mix with groups whose goal is to disrupt the country’s security, as this creates opportunities for militias,” the statement said.
Police also cautioned opposition politicians against the unlawful use of government armoured vehicles and heavy weapons by their supporters. Security agencies were ordered to take legal action against anyone violating these restrictions.
The attack comes as tensions mount between Somalia’s federal government and opposition figures, who accused government forces of provoking
the clash while they listened to grievances from residents. They described the government’s actions as unacceptable.
The police extended condolences to the families of those killed and said an investigation has begun, with findings to be submitted to relevant authorities. They urged civilians not to be drawn into politically motivated unrest, warning that such turmoil strengthens extremist groups already at war with the Somali state.