The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) of Ethiopia has announced the apprehension of 138 individuals suspected of having ties to terrorist and extremist groups. These individuals are accused of planning to disrupt the upcoming general elections in July of this year. According to a statement released by NISS, the detained individuals were involved in organizing and supporting armed groups with the intention of destabilizing the country and influencing the election. The operation to apprehend these suspects began on April 9, 2018 and involved cooperation between NISS, the Federal Army, and regional security forces. The suspects were detained from various parts of Ethiopia and are currently under strict surveillance. The report states that the suspects were planning to instigate unrest and carry out terrorist attacks in major towns, including Addis Ababa. They were allegedly creating secret networks, exchanging information, and gathering equipment such as money, military gear, army radios, SIM cards, and weapons to strengthen their operations. It is believed that their ultimate goal was to disrupt the elections and fuel ethnic and religious conflicts. Intelligence suggests that some of the detained suspects received military training in Somalia and have connections to international terrorist organizations such as Al-Shabab and ISIS. They were also involved in recruiting new members and facilitating attacks. Some of the suspects were accused of smuggling weapons and providing logistics to extremist groups in order to undermine the country’s security. Others were involved in smuggling people and contraband, causing economic chaos and scarcity of basic goods. During the operation, NISS seized weapons, explosive devices, hand grenades, ammunition, foreign currency, and other equipment intended for the terrorist groups. 138 suspects have been submitted to the court of law, and the operation was a joint effort between NISS, the National Defense Forces (ENDF), Federal Police, and regional security forces. NISS has pledged to continue dismantling covert networks associated with terrorist groups and has taken necessary measures to ensure security during the upcoming elections. They have also urged the public to cooperate with security agencies to prevent acts of insecurity.
