Mogadishu, 16 March 2025 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has joined forces with the Somali Police Force (SPF) to conduct regular joint patrols in Mogadishu, enhancing safety and security during the holy month of Ramadan.
As part of their security collaboration, AUSSOM Police and SPF personnel carried out extensive stop-and-search operations and mounted snap mobile checkpoints across Mogadishu on Sunday to counter potential criminal activities.
The patrols and check points were mounted in various locations of Mogadishu city centre and the suburbs, including Warta Nabada, Bondhere, Heliwaa and Kaaraan districts.
Lieutenant Bashir Hussein, the SPF Liaison Officer for Banadir Regional Police, praised their close working relationship that has significantly improved the city’s security.
“Because it’s the blessed month of Ramadan, there are a lot of security threats, and that’s why we are increasing police presence in the city. We want to demonstrate the close working relationship we have with our international partners,” said Lieutenant Bashir, whose unit oversees mobile checkpoint operations in Mogadishu.
AUSSOM Police Operations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dennis Okhuelegbe, said the joint operations aim to enhance police visibility and public safety in Mogadishu during Ramadan.
“When the police are seen, criminals and anyone who intends to commit crime will be deterred. With our presence and enhanced security, nobody with criminal intentions will dare to execute their evil plans,” he said.
SP Okhuelegbe praised the strong cooperation between the public and police, noting that their joint operations are a key step in AUSSOM Police’s efforts to transfer security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces.
United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2767 (2024), mandates AUSSOM to support the Somali police in managing public order, protecting communities and maintaining internal security.
