[5] It is bordered by Sool to the west, Bari to the north, and Mudug to the south and the Somali Region of Ethiopia.

[7] Nugal is centered on Garowe, which serves as the capital of the autonomous Puntland macro-region.

Nonetheless, Nugaal proper traditionally refers to segments of the valley west of Garowe.

Kobo was described in colonial sources ruminating about Dervish strength as follows:[10] During all this time the Mullah and the majority of his karias (tribal encampments) had remained in the Eastern Nogal, in the area known as Kobo, roughly comprised in the triangle Halin, Gerrowei, Kallis.

It was secure from any possible danger of surprise, and he commanded the main routes to the southThe Nugal region consists of five districts:[11]