At least 59 suspected motorcycle robbers have been arrested in North West Nile region police operations spearheaded by Arua CPS. Police carried out targeted operations and raids in criminal hubs, within 17 cells in Arua City which led to arrest of the suspects and recovery of 15 motorcycles.
Senior Commissioner of Police, Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, said the recover 15 motorcycles included 12 numberless, Ssenke model and all these were allegedly being used in ride-along attacks and robberies of pedestrians, women, business people, civil servants and other members of the community.
Enanga said the thugs would snatch smartphones, bags, wallets, and other valuables, while on the motorcycles, or stop and put victims on knife-point, and rob from them. “The task team first conducted an intelligence led operation on the 25.03.2024 in the criminal hubs, located in the cells of Ediofe, mission, Lumumba, Oli “D”, Arua primary, Air Japan, Drivers corner, Upper Bibia, Adriko among others, were 32 notorious suspects were arrested, 7 numberless motorcycles, used by the group impounded several dangerous weapons of pangas, knives, and sharp implements were recovered as well.”
Police said on March 28 which was Holy Thursday, another raid was carried out in the areas of Awindiri, Lobida, Buruku, Terego, and Ophanage villages, were 27 suspects were arrested with 8 motorcycles (5 numberless), dangerous sharp implements and narcotic substances recovered from them.
Enanga said the charges in these separate cases related to a wide range of alleged illegal activity including use of narcotic drugs, robbery, attempted murders, and possession of dangerous weapons. “As you are all aware, criminal gangs like these ones, threaten the safety of our neighbourhoods, through the violent attacks, use of narcotic substances and recruitment of young children into crime, which is very dangerous.”
Police said with the arrests made, they are sending a clear message, that as the Joint Security Agencies, they are committed to dismantling gangs, using our task teams, undercover operations, and surveillance techniques, to restore order in our neighbourhoods. “We want to thank the community, local leaders, victims and the media, for volunteering information to the police.”