Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre rewarded a local citizen with $20,000 for aiding security agencies in thwarting a planned terrorist attack on Mogadishu's peace garden last month. The individual, Galbed Hussein Adan, alerted the authorities about an auto-rickshaw motorcycle filled with explosives.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mahad Mohamed Salad, lauded the citizen's courage and patriotism in turning in the vehicle. Officials believe it was intended for a terrorist attack orchestrated by the Al-Shabaab militant group.
"This action results from the cooperation and trust shown by the community in the security agencies," the Director stated. Prime Minister Hamza echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in maintaining security.
The Somali government is now actively involving the public and promoting cooperation between communities and security forces.
The government's decision to reward Adan marks the second time under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration that a monetary prize has been given to a citizen providing crucial information to counter insecurity. Last month, the Somali government awarded a Mogadishu mother $10,000 for refusing to allow Al-Shabaab militants to use her home as a staging area for attacks against the government security forces.
Prime Minister Barre also unveiled the first-ever hotline for the Somali intelligence agency. This initiative allows the public to report misconduct or file complaints against National Intelligence and Security Agency officers directly.
"This is a historic moment for our nation's people," said the Prime Minister. "This initiative represents a significant step toward promoting transparency and accountability within our security agencies, as citizens now have a direct channel to voice any concerns they might have."