The Somali Police Command in Banadir province has placed an indefinite ban on armed soldiers using motorbikes in the capital city of Mogadishu. The police have stated that it is not acceptable for off-duty soldiers to be seen in the city. This decision was announced in a statement from the Police Command, which also warned of strict consequences for soldiers who do not comply with the orders of the security agencies. The ban was put in place after a video went viral on social media showing a soldier, identified as Liban Adan Mustafe, committing robbery in various districts of Mogadishu while armed with an AK-47. The Police Command has reminded all soldiers that it is prohibited for them to use motorbikes while armed, as part of their duties in the security agencies. Banadir Police Chief Ma’alin Mahdi has confirmed that the soldier responsible for the criminal act is in police custody and will be brought to trial. He has urged residents to report any incidents of robbery or criminal activity to the nearest police station or by calling the police hotline at 991. Mahdi also stressed the importance of following the directives issued by the security agencies in order to maintain tight security in the capital.
