By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 6 April 2026 Somali police have banned the carrying of weapons in Baidoa during nighttime hours, except for police and National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) forces, as authorities move to tighten security following recent political tensions in South West State.
The Commander of the Somali Police Force, Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi, held a meeting with police officers stationed in Baidoa, instructing them to immediately strengthen overall security in the city.
The meeting, attended by officers from both federal and regional levels, focused on the security situation in Baidoa following recent leadership changes in South West State.
The commander ordered that no weapons be carried within the city at night, except by authorized security forces such as the police and intelligence agencies. He also directed an increase in night patrols and tighter inspections at entry points to the city.
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Police forces were further instructed to take full responsibility for internal security within Baidoa, while the Somali National Army will operate in the surrounding areas to reinforce defense.
Meanwhile, armed groups not yet formally integrated into national forces were ordered to remain in their camps during the ongoing integration process and refrain from carrying weapons in the city.
The measures come as the federal government takes direct control of the city, with plans underway to hold one-person one-vote elections following recent political and security changes in South West State over the past week.
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