By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
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HARGEISA, 30 October 2026 Somaliland's police chief has ordered a ban on civilians carrying firearms in public areas, directing security forces to seize weapons from anyone who is not a member of the armed forces or security agencies.
Brigadier General Abdirahman Abdullahi announced the directive on Thursday, warning that individuals who resist attempts to confiscate their weapons could face lethal force.
“Anyone carrying a firearm who is not a member of Somaliland's armed forces will not be tolerated. Police have been instructed to confiscate weapons from anyone outside the security agencies, and those who resist are to be killed,” the police chief said.
Abdullahi said the decision follows a deadly incident on October 5, when a group of gunmen killed Ibrahim Abdullahi Aar in Somaliland.
The directive forms part of measures announced by the police command to strengthen public security and curb the unauthorised possession and carrying of firearms.