MOGADISHU--On Thursday, the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency announced that it had foiled an attempt to smuggle a young girl illegally into Libya. According to an official statement issued by the agency, its officers conducted an investigation and vetting after suspicions arose regarding the girl’s travel. The investigation revealed that the girl had been taken from Lasanod and was accompanied by individuals suspected of being involved in the smuggling. The agency also confirmed that an attempt had been made to issue fake documents in order to facilitate the girl’s departure, but this was foiled by the intervention of the officers. The case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further action against those involved, as stated in the press release. The agency also warned the Somali people about the risks of illegal smuggling and stated that it will increase its efforts to combat the networks involved. It emphasized that rescuing Somali citizens is a national duty and will be given special consideration. On the other hand, Puntland police detained a man suspected of being a smuggling broker and committing widespread abuse against Somali citizens. This was following an operation conducted by the police in Nugaal province. According to the official statement issued by Puntland Police in Nugaal region, the suspect, Gulied Abdiasis Ahmed, was detained for his involvement in smuggling young people and other related acts. The police also stated that the man is accused of committing abuse that caused serious injuries to Somali citizens in Libya, where they were based for smuggling purposes. The security forces added that they are currently investigating the man and will bring him before the court once the investigation is completed. This is the first time that Puntland has detained a suspected smuggler, despite the widespread issue of smuggling in the region.
