Somali Journalist Abducted by Armed Forces Amid Rising Tensions
In a disturbing incident early on February 24, 2026, journalist Abdihafid Nor was forcibly taken by armed personnel from the Somali National Army in Mogadishu. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has swiftly condemned the abduction, calling for Nor’s immediate and unconditional release.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Nor was dining at a local restaurant, preparing to break his fast, when armed men—some in military attire and others in plain clothes—arrived in a pickup truck around 1:50 a.m. They seized him without warning and drove away, leaving patrons and onlookers shocked.
A reliable source indicated that the journalist was subsequently transported to a military facility at the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in the Hodan district of Mogadishu. Since the abduction, Nor’s family and colleagues have been unable to make contact with him, as his phone remains switched off, intensifying concerns for his safety.
The day prior, Nor, who is known for his work with Somali Cable TV and active presence on social media, made headlines with a Facebook post regarding the dismissal of four commanders from a Turkish-trained unit known as Gorgor. His report suggested the officers were removed following a conflict over a directive that sought to cut $100 from the allowances of injured soldiers. The commanders were reportedly dismissed after they refused to comply with this order, a move that sparked considerable controversy.
SJS alleges that the journalist’s report incited anger among some members of the Gorgor forces, contributing to his abduction. Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of SJS, labeled this act as a significant violation of press freedom and a grievous affront to the rights of journalists in Somalia.
“This abduction of our colleague, Abdihafid Nor, for shedding light on the dismissal of military officers—a matter of public concern—represents a direct threat to press freedom,” Mumin said.
Mumin urged that the Somali National Army officials responsible for Nor’s abduction release him without delay. He also called attention to an alarming trend of intimidation and arbitrary detentions targeting journalists throughout the country.
The context surrounding Nor’s abduction highlights growing tensions in Somalia, where journalists frequently find themselves in peril for their work. As issues of military conduct and governance come to the fore, the need for press freedom becomes ever more critical.
The situation remains fluid, and the SJS is calling on international observers and organizations to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the rights of reporters and freedom of expression are upheld.
As the community waits for news of Nor, many are rallying to condemn acts of violence and repression against those who seek to inform the public. The fight for press freedom in Somalia is increasingly urgent, as journalists like Abdihafid Nor continue to bravely cover stories that matter to the public.
— Reported by Nexio News
