Four Rangers Missing After Armed Ambush in Lantoto National Park

(YEI) – Four wildlife officers remain missing following an armed ambush on a convoy in Lantoto National Park, Yei River County, according to the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism.

The incident occurred on Sunday, 20 July 2025, when a team of eight park rangers was transporting construction bricks to the park’s headquarters. The rangers were ambushed by gunmen in military uniforms, heavily armed with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades.

General Khamis Adiang Diing, Director General of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, said the attackers intercepted the team near Tore Payam, an area within the park, and took four rangers hostage.

“They were transporting bricks to the office site when they were ambushed by an armed group in full uniform. These attackers were well equipped with machine guns and RPGs,” said Gen. Diing.

He explained that a rescue operation was launched from the park’s headquarters after the rangers failed to report back. During the mission, an exchange of gunfire occurred, allowing four of the captured officers to escape.

“They kept four of our rangers. A rescue was sent from headquarters to assess the situation. After a gunfire exchange, the four managed to flee and returned safely,” he said.

The vehicle used by the rangers was reportedly destroyed in the attack, burned completely by the armed group.

Gen. Diing confirmed that the other four rangers remain unaccounted for. Efforts are ongoing to trace them, with hopes that they may be located soon.

“We are still tracing the missing four. We are optimistic they may be found, perhaps even tomorrow. If there are any new developments, we will communicate,” he stated.

The Ministry suspects the attackers may belong to an organised, well trained and structured rebel group operating in the area, though no group has claimed responsibility for the ambush.

Incident Summary – Lantoto National Park, 20 July 2025