Somali Police have arrested a local district official accused of opening fire on civilians in Yaqshid district of Mogadishu, in an incident that sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
According to security sources, police officers stationed at the Yaqshid district police station apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident. The man, identified as Zakariye Cabdi Ibraahim, is alleged to have deliberately shot at unarmed civilians, including men and women, inside the district in broad daylight.
Zakariye Abdi Ibraahim was serving as a sub-district (laameed) commissioner in Yaqshid at the time of the incident. A video widely circulated on social media shows the suspect firing his weapon toward civilians, including a Somali mother, although authorities have not yet officially disclosed the motive behind the shooting.
In a written statement, the Banadir Regional Police Command confirmed that the suspect is in police custody and will be presented before a competent court to face justice.
“The suspect, who was serving as a sub-district commissioner in Towfiiq neighborhood of Yaqshid district, is currently in the custody of the Somali Police Force and will be referred to the appropriate court,” the statement from the Banadir Police Command read.
Police officials said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including what prompted the official to use live ammunition against civilians.
The arrest has been widely welcomed by residents of Yaqshid district, many of whom praised the swift response by the police and described it as a positive step toward protecting civilians and restoring public trust in security institutions.
In recent months, the Somali Police Force has intensified efforts to hold both civilians and security personnel accountable for abuses against the public. Authorities say the latest arrest reflects a broader policy of zero tolerance for misconduct and unlawful use of force, regardless of rank or position.
The case is expected to proceed through the judicial system in the coming days, as the government reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims of violence in Mogadishu.
