Josephine Angucia, the West Nile Region Police Spokesperson, explained that the operations are meant to tackle the recent surge in cases of Insecurity within the city.
78 suspects believed to be part of a gang that has been reportedly terrorizing Arua city residents have been arrested.
Their arrest followed an intelligence-led operation by police of Arua Central Business Division in the last two weeks targeting areas believed to be hideouts for the gang.
According to police, the operations which began on February 9, 2024, in some of the hotspots within the city resulted in the arrest of 46 suspects but upon screening 10 of the suspects were released.
“On Friday, February 9th, 2024, during the night hours, operations were conducted in various areas of Arua city, including Awindiri, Tuwambe stretch, Kirabu area, Driver's corner, Sansiro, Arua public area, Bamboo village, and Concord. This operation resulted in the arrest of 46 suspects for various offenses”, Police said in a report.
Meanwhile, 21 other suspects were also arrested during a similar operation on February 16, 2024, in areas of Osu bridge, Air Japan, Arua Primary, Lobida area, Sansiro, Hospital Road, and Swalia cell all in Arua central division.
Out of the 21 suspects, 12 were taken to court and remanded, while nine other suspects were released after being screened with the help of local council officials," reads the report.
Josephine Angucia, the West Nile Region Police Spokesperson, explained that the operations are meant to tackle the recent surge in cases of Insecurity within the city. She disclosed that on Wednesday11 suspected criminals were arrested with several rolls of Marijuana.
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During the operation, police also recovered at least 20 numberless motorcycles believed to have been used by the suspected gangs. According to Angucia, the impounded numberless motorcycles are meant to disrupt the criminal activities of the gangs who often target people as they rush home in the evening hours.
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Khemis Muzaidi, the Mayor of Central Division, advised the city dwellers to be vigilant and avoid working late night hours. He also asked local leaders to work with security agencies to ensure that they identify suspected criminals and report them to the police.
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This is the second major security operation targeting criminal gangs within the city in nearly two years. Between April and June 2022, at least 97 suspected criminal gangs were arrested by security agencies during a similar operation in Arua city.
