Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Some 138 suspects, who were planning to disrupt peace and security of the country as well as the upcoming national election, have been apprehended, according to a press statement issued by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
The suspects have been collaborating with terrorist and extremist groups, the statement added.
Following a coordinated operation involving federal and regional security forces that commenced on April 17, 2026, the individuals were successfully apprehended.
According to the press release, the suspects were tasked with instigating terror and unrest in Addis Ababa and other major urban towns.
Their activities included organizing covert cells for armed groups, gathering intelligence, and participating in planned attacks and abductions.
Furthermore, investigations revealed that they were involved in mobilizing logistics—including funds, provisions, military uniforms, radio communication equipment, mobile handsets, SIM cards, firearms, and ammunition—for extremists.
They were also deployed to obstruct electoral activities in selected cities and districts and to incite ethnic and religious conflicts.
Intelligence reports have confirmed that some of the suspects had established links with international terrorist organizations such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS, and received training in Somalia, the statement said.
These individuals were reportedly active in various parts of Ethiopia, recruiting members and facilitating conditions for terrorist acts.
The operation also targeted individuals involved in illegal arms trafficking with the intent of exacerbating the country’s security challenges by supplying weaponry to extremist groups.
Others were found engaged in human trafficking and contraband trade, aiming at economic sabotage by creating artificial shortages of essential consumer goods.
During the arrests, security forces seized an assortment of weapons, explosives, grenades, and ammunition destined for extremist groups, along with various foreign currencies and contraband items.
The successful apprehension of these 138 suspects was made possible through the seamless integration of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, the Ethiopian Federal Police, and regional security agencies, it was pointed out.
The NISS stated that it remains vigilant, conducting further surveillance and investigation to dismantle hidden networks of destructive forces.
It further emphasized that it has finalized all necessary preparations to ensure that the upcoming national election proceeds peacefully.
Furthermore, NISS called on the public to maintain its usual cooperation by reporting suspicious activities and standing alongside the nation’s security institutions to safeguard the country.
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