The gangs stopped a minibus ferrying passengers to Hamar-weyne market at Manabolyo neighbourhood and frisked the passengers, robbing them of all valuables including money and mobiles, according to some of the victims who spoke to Sunatimes shortly after the incident.

The incident is said to be the first of its kind in the area since Al-Shabaab pulled out of its fixed positions in the city early last August.

Gangs dressed in the Somali military uniform to disguise their criminality are known to commit such activities in some other parts of the city targeting civilians.