Wau Security Forces Intercept Armed Robbery Gang

(WAU) – Police in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have arrested eight armed suspects believed to be involved in a series of vehicle robberies that took place during the night along Kuajiena Road in Jur River County.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, State Police Spokesperson Major Santino Udual confirmed that the arrests were carried out by Operation Task Force Unit 112 following credible intelligence from local sources.

“Our Operations Task Force Unit 112 acted swiftly and successfully apprehended eight suspects,” Major Udual said.

He added that the police acted on specific information that helped them locate and detain the suspects involved in the robberies.

During the operation, officers recovered several items believed to have been stolen, including an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, two Senke motorcycles, a mattress and a large quantity of looted commercial goods. However, some of the suspects managed to escape and are still being pursued by police.

“We are still pursuing those who fled. A case will be opened for those already in custody,” Major Udual added, noting that investigations are ongoing.

In a public appeal, Major Udual urged individuals and traders who may have lost property in the area to come forward. He said the police would assist in the return of goods to rightful owners once legal procedures and identification are completed.

“If you can prove ownership, the police will assist in returning your belongings,” he said.

Items recovered by police were displayed to the media and included over six sacks of biscuits, a large amount of chewing gum, ten small bags of rice, kebab sticks, two motorcycles, a mattress and other assorted goods.

Major Udual called on the community to work closely with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious individuals or activity.

He emphasised that public cooperation is key to improving safety in the state, especially in rural areas prone to banditry and organised theft.

However he did not comment on whether any formal charges had yet been filed by complainants but noted that all suspects in custody would be processed through the legal system and face appropriate charges depending on the outcome of investigations.

No monetary value was attached to the recovered goods.

Access Radio has already reported numerous concerns over highway safety, especially in regions where limited lighting and poor road conditions can make enforcement difficult.

In recent years, community-police collaboration has played an increasing role in curbing crime in both urban and rural parts of South Sudan.

The arrests have not been without controversy. A few commenters in online reports linked the rising crime rate to delayed salary payments for public servants and widespread economic hardship.