(29-09-23) MOGADISHU — In a statement released on Friday, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced the capture of Zakariya Kamal Sufi Abashiek, also known as Saki, a Kenyan trader based in Mombasa. He is a pivotal figure implicated in supplying weapons and explosives to Al-Shabaab from overseas.
The 28-year-old had been under extensive surveillance by both NISA and Kenya’s Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) for an extended period. Authorities finally apprehended him as he was planning to go underground, potentially to liaise with Al-Shabab extremist groups operating within the country, according to the statement.
Zakariya Kamal was identified as the linchpin of a network that imported a military container in May of this year. The container, hidden among commercial shipments, was intercepted at Mogadishu’s port. Seized items include:
- Five high-specification JS crop drones
- Rifle scopes
- Material for making military uniforms
- Night-vision and spy goggles
- Military-grade two-way radios
- And other items
Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) investigated Zakariya through its Mombasa office in June, making trips to China and Somalia to collect evidence. This international collaboration highlights the urgency and seriousness with which both nations are tackling terrorism.
The suspect is soon to be referred to the judiciary, where he will be formally charged with his crimes.
NISA reaffirmed its commitment to both domestic and international operations targeting individuals involved in terrorism, vowing to spare no effort in pursuing anyone supporting violence against Somali citizens.
The arrest is seen as an important achievement in combating terrorism in the region, indicating the effectiveness of regional cooperation in these efforts.
