(WAU) – Police in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, have arrested eight armed suspects accused of carrying out a series of nighttime vehicle robberies along the Kuajiena Road in Jur River County. The arrests followed intelligence gathered by local security units and reports from affected communities.
State Police Spokesperson Major Santino Udual confirmed the arrests on Thursday morning, noting that the operation was conducted by the state’s Operations Task Force Unit 112 after credible information was received about the group’s movements and hideouts.
“Our team responded quickly and captured eight suspects believed to be responsible for recent road attacks. Some of their accomplices managed to escape during the operation, but we are actively pursuing them,” Major Udual said.
Police recovered several items during the operation, including an AK-47 rifle, a pistol and two Senke motorcycles. Other seized materials included domestic and commercial items suspected to have been looted from passing vehicles.
The items retrieved and later shown to local media included six sacks of biscuits, multiple bags of rice, chewing gum, plastic kebab sticks, a mattress, and various other goods. Some of these items are believed to have been stolen during attacks on commercial vehicles and small traders.
Police urged the public to assist by identifying stolen property. Major Udual invited anyone who lost items along Kuajiena Road in recent weeks to report to the nearest police station with valid proof of ownership.
| Item Recovered | Quantity | Estimated Value (SSP/USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sacks of biscuits | Over 6 | ~230,000 SSP ($50) |
| Chewing gum (bulk) | Large quantity | ~92,000 SSP ($20) |
| Bags of rice | 10 small bags | ~460,000 SSP ($100) |
| Motorcycles (Senke) | 2 | ~2,300,000 SSP ($500) |
| AK-47 and pistol | 1 each | Illegal weapons, value undisclosed |
| Other goods and mattress | Assorted | ~368,000 SSP ($80) |
Major Udual reaffirmed that legal procedures would be followed, and rightful owners would be able to reclaim their items once identification is confirmed. He also assured the community that a case is being prepared for those already in custody.
“We want to assure the public that no one is above the law. Those caught will be brought to justice through legal channels,” he said.
The incident has renewed public concern over road safety and rising insecurity on key transport routes in South Sudan’s northern states. Jur River County, bordering the oil-rich Warrap State, has seen intermittent security challenges, especially after dark.
Major Udual called on the public to remain alert and to share information that could lead to the arrest of remaining suspects. He stressed the need for continued community cooperation in order to maintain peace and safety.
“We rely on the public’s support. Reporting suspicious movement is the only way we can respond in time to prevent these crimes,” he added.
Social media users reacted strongly to news of the arrests, with some calling for harsh penalties, while others expressed concern over broader economic pressures that may be pushing individuals into crime.
While police did not reveal the motive behind the robberies, local analysts say the combination of unemployment, unpaid salaries and economic hardship is contributing to a rise in organised petty crime across parts of South Sudan.
The suspects remain in custody, and their case is expected to be transferred to the state prosecutor for formal charges in the coming days.
