MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Despite heavy security measures and increased surveillance across Mogadishu, residents of the Somali capital are once again raising concerns over the return of organized youth gangs known as “Ciyaal Weero,” groups accused of carrying out robberies, assaults, and violent intimidation campaigns in several districts of the city.
Security in Mogadishu is largely maintained by Somali government forces, including military-trained police units, regular police forces, and officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), commonly referred to as community security personnel.
Authorities have also expanded the use of hidden CCTV surveillance systems and intelligence-led patrols to monitor criminal activity and track individuals involved in threats to public safety.
Officials say the growing network of surveillance cameras across major roads, markets, and neighborhoods has improved the ability of security agencies to identify suspects and respond more quickly to incidents. Several arrests linked to criminal activity in Mogadishu have reportedly been made through footage obtained from the camera systems.
However, despite these efforts, organized youth gangs have resurfaced in parts of the capital nearly four years after similar groups were pushed out through major security crackdowns.
The gangs, commonly referred to as “Ciyaal Weero,” are reportedly made up of groups of young men armed with knives, machetes, and sticks who target civilians, particularly at night. Residents say the gangs are involved in muggings, assaults, extortion, and street violence that have created fear among communities in several districts.
The group gained widespread attention this month after disturbing videos circulated on social media showing gang members beating other youths, threatening violence, and displaying large knives estimated to be around 50 centimeters in length. Some videos also showed gang members openly challenging rival groups and security forces.
The re-emergence of the gangs has revived memories of previous periods of insecurity in Mogadishu when similar youth groups operated across neighborhoods, attacking civilians and spreading fear before large-scale police operations weakened their activities.
Security analysts and community leaders say several factors may be contributing to the return of the gangs, including rising unemployment, drug abuse, poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and the growing frustration among urban youth. Others argue that weak social structures and political instability have created conditions that criminal groups are exploiting to reorganize.
Local residents have called on authorities to intensify patrols and expand community policing programs to prevent the gangs from gaining more influence. Parents and elders have also expressed concern that many young people are increasingly being drawn into organized street violence due to economic hardship and social pressures.
The Somali government has recently increased security operations across Mogadishu, especially around checkpoints, busy intersections, and public gathering areas, amid concerns that criminal gangs and extremist groups could exploit instability in the city.
Authorities have not yet released official figures regarding the number of gang members arrested in recent weeks, but security forces say investigations and operations targeting the groups are ongoing.
The resurgence of the Ciyaal Weero gangs has renewed debate over long-term solutions to urban insecurity in Mogadishu, with analysts arguing that security operations alone may not be enough without broader investments in employment, education, and youth rehabilitation programs.
