According to NISA, the operation was carried out by its forces with support from international partners that targeted Nunow who served as the head of Al-Shabaab’s intelligence and security wing, known as the "Amniyat,” from 2016 to 2024. Nunow also used the aliases Geescadde, Fanax, Gardhuub and Ali Dheere.

Somalia's NISA accused Nunow of playing a key role in planning and carrying out attacks targeting Somali civilians. Among the attacks NISA linked to him were the October 14, 2017, bombing at the Zoobe intersection in Mogadishu, the Ex-Control Afgooye attack, the second Zoobe attack, and other attacks at hotels and locations along Mogadishu’s Lido Beach.

NISA said the operation in Jilib was part of ongoing efforts, conducted with international partners, to pursue senior Al-Shabaab commanders accused of involvement in attacks that have killed Somali civilians. The operations also aim to dismantle networks used by the group to plan, organize and carry out terrorist attacks.