MOGADISHU– President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today presided over the official handover ceremony between the outgoing Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, and the incoming Director, Mr. Mahad Mohamed Salad.

The ceremony, held at NISA headquarters in Mogadishu, was attended by senior government and security officials including the Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag; the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab; the Commander of the Somali Police Force, General Asad Abdullahi Osman; and other key figures from national security institutions.

IN PICTURES: Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has today presided over the official handover of leadership at NISA between outgoing Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe and incoming Director Mahad Mohamed Salad. pic.twitter.com/c3qLQtMVOl

— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) June 14, 2025

President Hassan Sheikh commended Mr. Sanbaloolshe for his service and his contributions to national security during his tenure.

The President acknowledged the former Director’s role in advancing the country’s security architecture and combating terrorism, particularly in the face of threats posed by extremist groups.

The President emphasized the Federal Government’s continued commitment to strengthening national security and protecting citizens.

He urged the new Director, Mr. Mahad Mohamed Salad, to build on ongoing counter-terrorism operations, enhance inter-agency coordination, and strengthen public trust in NISA.

President Hassan Sheikh reiterated that the Somali people deserve a secure nation free from the threats of violent extremism, and called for unity and resilience across all security institutions in pursuit of this goal.