Thursday February 20, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has issued a high-priority wanted notice for Abdullaahi Hassan Aabdi Osoble, known as Abdullaahi Wadaad, a senior Al-Shabaab operative accused of overseeing the group's extortion and financial operations in Mogadishu and the Banadir region.
Authorities say Wadaad has played a central role in enforcing Al-Shabaab's illegal taxation system, targeting businesses to extract funds that finance the militant group's activities. "His recent efforts to reorganize Al-Shabaab's financial networks in Mogadishu have made him a top security threat," NISA said in an official statement.
The Somali government has imposed a complete restriction on Wadaad, warning citizens against engaging with him or frequenting areas where he operates.
To accelerate the manhunt, NISA has announced a high-level reward for information leading to Wadaad's arrest. "Citizens with credible intelligence on his whereabouts are encouraged to contact NISA via hotline 199 or WhatsApp at +252770747474," the agency said.
Authorities say his network has been responsible for funding Al-Shabaab's recruitment, weapons procurement, and attacks. "Disrupting this financial pipeline is crucial in weakening Al-Shabaab's operational capabilities," a senior security official told HOL.
The hunt for Wadaad is part of a broader crackdown on Al-Shabaab's economic infrastructure. The Somali government has taken aggressive steps to block militant funding sources, including freezing bank accounts linked to Al-Shabaab operatives and arresting key financiers.
"Al-Shabaab has long used intimidation and forced taxation to finance its insurgency," said a counterterrorism analyst. "Figures like Wadaad play a pivotal role in sustaining this system, making their removal from the equation a major security victory."
Intelligence reports indicate that Wadaad's taxation operations extended beyond militant-controlled areas, reaching businesses within government-controlled Mogadishu. Officials believe his capture would severely weaken Al-Shabaab's ability to generate revenue.
NISA reiterated that anyone found assisting Wadaad could face legal consequences and urged business owners to report extortion attempts to security agencies.
"Working with the authorities is the only way to dismantle this financial stranglehold," the agency stated.
Correction & Update Notice – February 20, 2025
This article has been updated to correct the name of the wanted Al-Shabaab operative from Abdullahi Hassan Abdi to Abdullaahi Xasan Cabdi Osoble, known as Abdullaahi Wadaad, in accordance with official NISA records. The revised version also expands on Wadaad’s role as a key figure in Al-Shabaab’s extortion network, detailing how he oversees illegal taxation to fund militant operations. Additionally, the update includes the Somali government’s full restriction on Wadaad, warning citizens against any engagement with him. A high-level reward for information leading to his capture has also been added, along with NISA’s official hotline (199) and WhatsApp contact (+252770747474) for public tips. The article now provides broader context on the government’s crackdown on Al-Shabaab’s financial networks, including bank account freezes and arrests of key facilitators.