Somalia, 12 October 2025 — Twelve Al Shabaab fighters today surrendered to security authorities in South West State.
According to South West State Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA-SWA), the individuals were formerly involved in various branches of the group, including armed units, internal security (“amniyat”), recruitment, and the collection of illegal taxes.
Officials said the men had operated in several regions of Somalia before deciding to lay down their arms and rejoin their communities.
In statements to state media, the defectors expressed their happiness at returning to civilian life and appealed to the Somali government and its people for forgiveness, explaining that they had been “misled” by Al-Shabaab but had now “understood its deception.”
The South West administration has recently intensified efforts to encourage defections by offering amnesty and rehabilitation through its national programme for those deemed ‘low risk’ defectors. The defectors may be sent to rehabilitation centres or receive vocational training in approved centres managed by non-governmental organizations. However, those classified as ‘high risk’ by security agencies may face prosecution.