Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Somalia has announced a large-scale operation targeting human trafficking syndicates accused of committing serious human rights abuses across the country.
The announcement came following a high-level closed-door security meeting held in Mogadishu on Saturday, chaired by the Director of the CID, Muhudin Ahmed Osman.
Senior intelligence officers and representatives from various law enforcement units attended the meeting to review the progress of ongoing investigations and outline new strategies to dismantle trafficking networks.
According to officials, the CID has intensified efforts to identify, track, and prosecute individuals and groups involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Authorities are also working with financial institutions to freeze bank accounts and disrupt funding channels used by criminal organizations that profit from the illegal movement of people.
CID Director Muhudin Ahmed Osman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens, particularly Somali youth, from falling victim to traffickers who exploit their desperation for better opportunities abroad.
“Individuals engaged in these inhumane activities must be swiftly investigated and brought to justice,” said Director Muhudin.
“I have instructed intelligence units to trace, identify, and arrest those involved, because they pose a serious threat to our young people and to national security. This matter demands rigorous investigation, pursuit, and full accountability.”
He further emphasized the need for enhanced coordination between the CID, immigration authorities, and regional security agencies to ensure that trafficking rings operating both inside Somalia and abroad are effectively dismantled.
The Somali government has expressed growing concern over the increasing number of citizens—especially youth—who fall prey to smugglers promising safe passage to the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Many of these individuals face exploitation, forced labor, or imprisonment in foreign countries after being trafficked through complex criminal networks.
Each year, Somali authorities facilitate the repatriation of hundreds of citizens stranded in foreign territories.
Many returnees recount harrowing experiences of abuse, detention, and neglect, often after paying large sums to traffickers who deceive them with false promises of employment or asylum opportunities.
The CID’s latest crackdown is part of a broader national initiative aimed at combating transnational organized crime, improving border security, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of Somali citizens.
Officials say more arrests are expected in the coming weeks as intelligence-led operations continue nationwide.