Concerns over security have increased in Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle State, following a reported rise in criminal and disruptive activities allegedly linked to groups of young people commonly referred to as “Ciyaal Weero.”
Residents have raised concerns about incidents affecting public safety, while security officials say the groups’ activities are creating fear among civilians and posing a growing challenge to maintaining order in the city.
Hirshabelle Police Chief Hassan Dhicisow Hassan addressed the issue at a press conference in Jowhar on October 7, warning that the situation required a stronger security response.
The police chief said security forces had observed behavior among some of the youths that, in his assessment, resembled tactics previously associated with Al-Shabaab.
“We are seeing in the Ciyaal Weero the same kinds of actions that Al-Shabaab used to carry out,” Hassan said.
He suggested that some of the individuals involved could have links to Al-Shabaab or may have been influenced or directed from areas where the militant group maintains an operational presence.
However, the claim remains an allegation under investigation, and no evidence has been publicly presented establishing a direct connection between all youths described as “Ciyaal Weero” and Al-Shabaab.
Police Warn Suspects and Their Families
Hassan issued a strong warning to parents of young people suspected of involvement in the reported incidents. He said security authorities had information on individuals they believe may be involved and that a list of suspects had been compiled.
“I have a long list. We have their names,” the police chief said.
He warned that security forces would pursue suspects even if they left Jowhar for Mogadishu or other parts of the country.
At the same time, he said any action taken against suspects would be conducted through legal procedures and that individuals accused of crimes would ultimately face the courts.
“We will fight them, prevent them and take them to court,” Hassan said.
Local reports have also described incidents in which youths allegedly harassed or attacked people using roads in Jowhar, including throwing stones at pedestrians and motorists.
The police chief said Hirshabelle security authorities had agreed on measures to address the situation and had instructed security personnel to take action against activities threatening public safety.
The authorities’ stated approach is significant because officials face the challenge of distinguishing between ordinary young people and individuals actually involved in criminal activity or organized violence.
Any arrests or security operations will therefore need to be based on evidence, investigation and applicable law to avoid wrongful accusations or unlawful action.
Jowhar has previously been the focus of security operations targeting groups described as “Ciyaal Weero.” In March, Hirshabelle security forces conducted operations inside the city aimed at addressing the problem.
Jowhar is the administrative capital of Hirshabelle and the capital of Middle Shabelle, making it an important political, administrative and security center.
The city itself remained under the control of government-aligned forces as of March 2026, although parts of Middle Shabelle continued to experience Al-Shabaab activity and mixed control.
The renewed concerns over “Ciyaal Weero” therefore come against a wider backdrop of insecurity in the region.
Residents fear that if criminal activity involving young people is not addressed quickly, it could affect businesses, transportation and normal daily life in the city.
For now, Hirshabelle authorities are expected to intensify security measures in Jowhar while investigating those suspected of involvement in the reported incidents.
Residents have also been urged to cooperate with security agencies and provide information about activities that could threaten public safety.
The police chief’s comments indicate that the authorities intend to respond firmly, while emphasizing that suspects should be dealt with through the legal system rather than through arbitrary measures.