Puntland’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, has carried out a sweeping shake-up of the regional police command, issuing new decrees that install fresh leadership across the force’s top ranks and regional branches.
According to presidential decrees issued from the state capital, Garowe, the overhaul affects multiple levels of the police hierarchy, from central command to district appointments.
Colonel Abdulqadir Jamaac Dirir has been named the Puntland Police Force’s second deputy commander, which is central to the restructuring. Dirir’s new role requires him to immediately accelerate pending security operations.
Beyond the central command, the reshuffle extends to a number of specialised units:
- Police Training Academy (Carmo): Senior Officer Yusuf Ahmed Ciise has been appointed as its new commandant.
- Criminal Investigations Department (CID): Senior Officer Mahamud Abdihakin Yusuf will now lead the unit, with Samiro Abdullahi Mohamed serving as his deputy, marking a notable female appointment in a key security post.
- Inspectorate Unit: Senior Officer Farah Nur Mohamed has been placed in charge of police oversight, with Abdirazak Ahmed Jamaac as his deputy.
- Training & Planning Directorate: Senior Officer Sekeriye Abdirahman Mohamed will lead the directorate.
- Operations Unit: Senior Officer Abdirazak Ismael Hassan (Darwiish) has been assigned to head police operations.
- Environmental Protection Unit: Middle Officer Fadumo Abdulqadir Ali has been appointed as commander.
- Community Policing Directorate: Senior Officer Hussein Ali Mahamud will lead the unit, with Abdikhadar Mahamud Ahmed as his deputy.
The decree also overhauls regional police commands across all major provinces:
Region Appointed Commander
Mudug Senior Officer Mahamud Muse Bille
Nugaal Senior Officer Fu’ad Mahamud Hussein
Bari Senior Officer Said Aadan Said
Karkaar Senior Officer Bashir Mohamed Mahamud
Haylaan Senior Officer Said Ducale Farah
Sanaag Senior Officer Abdinasir Mohamed Muse (Shaati)
Raas Casayr Senior Officer Mahamud Mohamed Abdulle (Shoox)
Deputy commanders have also been assigned for each region.
President Deni issued the decrees under Article 80 of the Puntland State Constitution, citing the need for leadership and senior officer changes based on knowledge, competence, and military experience.
This latest restructuring comes after a series of security reforms implemented during Deni’s administration. Earlier this month, the president ordered all security forces to be on high alert, citing threats ranging from terrorism and piracy to internal infiltration.