Khalif Ahmed Ereg, head of the Banadir region intelligence service said the arrested suspects were involved in setting up illegal road blocks.

Mogadishu districts of Hamar-weyne, Waberi, Hodan and Dharkeynley were targeted with the security sweep.

Mr Khalif said six AK-47 rifles, two pistols and two cars were also seized in the operation.

He added that the arrested suspects will be taken to court in the coming days.

Mogadishu has achieved considerable amount of stability since the ousting of Al-shabaab militants in August 2011.