On 6 November, Brigadier General Mustafa al-Wahishi, head of the Central Security Department of the Libyan Intelligence Service (LIS), disappeared in Tripoli on the way home from his office in Assabaa (south of Souq al-Jumaa) at about 9 pm. Al-Wahishi hails from Zintan.
Colleagues of al-Wahishi at the LIS condemned the incident, called it a kidnapping and stressed that justice will reach everyone involved in this crime. They suggested that the incident is related to ongo ing investigations overseen by al-Wahishi into matters of national security, without providing any de tails, and pledged to make every effort to ensure his safe return, holding the concerned authorities responsible for his safety.
On 7 November, the Supreme Council of Zintan Revolutionaries called the kidnapping of al-Wahishi a ‘heinous and cowardly act by criminal gangs’ and demanded his immediate release. The ‘son of Zintan’ was doing his national duty through his work as an employee in the security apparatus in order for Libya to enjoy stability and peace. They held the Government of National Unity (GNU) responsible for the security of al-Wahishi and warned the PM, with all its security apparatus, against inaction. If the government fails to search for him and to ensure his safety, the Zintanis threatened to take the case into their own hands and use all means available to rescue al-Wahishi and ensure his safety. Some sources suggested that the alleged kidnapping of al-Wahishi is related to his investigation of a major NOC corruption case.
On 10 November, Presidential Council (PC) Deputy Abdullah al-Lafi hosted a meeting between Zintan notables and elders and the Head of the LIS LTG Hussein al-Aib at the PC headquarters in Tripoli. The Zintanis accused al Aib of being involved in the kidnapping of al-Wahishi and presented alleged evidence. Al-Aib denied all accusations.
On 11 November, Nasser Ammar, the commander of the Support Force of Operation Volcano of Rage, suggested the involvement of PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba in the kidnapping of al-Wahishi. According to Ammar, al-Wahishi was investigating suspicious deals, including the NC7 deal with the Eni-led con sortium. The same day, protesters from Zintanis blocked the road from Nalut to Tripoli in Qasr al-Haji at the intersection of the road leading to Zintan with burning tires. In the evening, the Zintanis threatened to shut down the pipeline near Riyayna until al-Wahishi was released.
On 12 November, there were reports of a build-up of forces from the Western Military Region under the command of Zintani commander Osama Juwaili in the Bir al-Ghanam area near al-Aziziyah. At the time of writing, there was no confirmation that the Riyana valve had been shut off.