Security failure linked to Al-Shabaab deadly raid on intelligence-run prison in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A lengthy footage verified by security agencies has exposed loopholes that led to a deadly attack at Godka Jilacow — a detention camp run by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), which uses the facility for interrogations.

The footage, which has since been verified by state operates, trails the attackers, who drove in Mogadishu unnoticed, leading to the attack that may have resulted in the unprecedented escape of hardcore criminals in the country.

Riding in a Toyota Hilux pickup, the Al-Shabaab militants used the vehicle, which was painted in the colours of the National Intelligence Security Agency (NISA), to unleash a complex raid that caught security teams flat-footed.

With the camouflage, the militants easily passed through multiple checkpoints - from Afgoye to Mogadishu in just over an hour to reach the target, Godka Jilaow prison, which is only steps away from the presidential palace — the seat of government.

"Al-Shabaab militants, disguised in NISA vehicles and uniforms, launched a bold attack on Mogadishu's high-security Godka Jilaow prison on October 4," state media revealed in a social media post accompanied by the footage.

"The government confirmed all seven attackers were killed, but the incident highlights a major security challenge just hours after roadblocks were removed."

Security experts have questioned the failure by security forces along Afgoye and Mogadishu to suspect the movement of the vehicle. Even an ordinary person looked at the car with suspicion — keep an eye on the person in the middle of the road at 15:50, one expert argued.

Al-Shabaab militants remained holed up in the Godka Jilaow prison in Mogadishu all night last night. Gunfire occasionally rang out from the facility, but they were eventually subdued on Sunday morning, with seven of them killed.

There have been previous claims of Al-Shabaab infiltration in the Somali National Army (SNA) and the intelligence agency, with the militants successfully having their contact personnel recruited for future missions.

However, there is no evidence of possible collusion between the security agents and the militants for Saturday's raid. Earlier, a number of security roads that had remained closed were opened in Mogadishu, further raising more questions about the planning and execution of the raid.

GAROWE ONLINE