Somalia Completes US-Supported Training for 80 Police and NISA Officers to Boost Investigations
Nearly 80 Somali police and NISA officers complete US-backed training to enhance crime scene investigation, evidence handling, and inter-agency cooperation.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 23, 2026
2 min read
Somalia has successfully concluded a year-long training programme involving nearly 80 officers from the Somali Police Force and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The initiative, supported by the United States, aimed to enhance investigative skills and improve the handling and presentation of evidence in courts.
The training covered crucial areas such as crime-scene examination, evidence collection and preservation, criminal investigation techniques, and verification of information used by investigators. Conducted in seven cohorts, the programme was designed to foster stronger collaboration between the police and intelligence agencies by training their personnel together.
Joint Training to Strengthen Security Cooperation
Justin Davis, the US embassy’s chargé d’affaires in Somalia, emphasized that the programme marked a historic step by bringing NISA and the Somali Police Force together in a unified training environment. The shared training experience is expected to improve cooperation between the two institutions.
Hassan Ali Noor Shute, chairman of the first-instance military court, highlighted the shift towards evidence-based investigations, noting the programme’s role in promoting reliable and verifiable investigative methods that support legal proceedings.
Police commander Asad Osman Abdullahi expressed gratitude to the United States for the support, citing enhanced investigative knowledge and strengthened inter-agency cooperation among officers. NISA Director General Mahad Mohamed Salah encouraged graduates to apply their skills to combat militant groups and organised crime effectively.
Part of Broader Security and Justice Reforms
This training is part of Somalia’s wider efforts to build robust security and justice institutions with international assistance. Earlier collaborations include a 2025 partnership with Türkiye to improve forensic investigation capabilities and a 2026 police instructor training programme funded by Japan.
The European Union also contributed by supporting advanced training for specialised police units earlier in 2026.
By providing joint training in key investigative areas, the programme aims to enhance the overall effectiveness and cooperation of Somalia’s security agencies as the country continues to strengthen its justice system.
