MOGADISHU (SD) -The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has reported a major operation conducted by security forces in the town of Afgooye in the Lower Shabelle region today.

NISA has confirmed that a planned operation resulted in the capture of up to 28 individuals, 25 of whom had expressed a desire to join the ranks of Al-Shabaab. 

The spy agency has disclosed that the captured individuals include young boys, and were being transported to join Al-Shabaab. All the individuals who have been captured are now under the custody of NISA, and they are undergoing thorough interrogations led by the security authorities.

In recent days, Somali government forces have intensified their operations in and around the capital city and nearby towns to ensure security.

The capture of these individuals comes as Al-Shabaab has been the target of significant offensive operations, by the Somali National Army and regional forces.