More than 100 suspected gang members arrested in Nimule crackdown

Author: Sebit Patrick | Published: 57 minutes ago

Major David Kasimiro, the Inspector of Police in Nimule – Credit | Okot Emmanuel/Eye Radio | November 3, 2021

Police in Nimule have arrested more than 100 suspected gang members involved in criminal activities including theft, assault and drug trafficking in the border town.

This comes after a reinforcement committee was dispatched from Juba to crack down on gangsters in the border area.

The Nimule Police Inspector said the suspected gangs are currently being screened before being taken to court.

David Kasmiro attributes the growing number of gangs in Nimule to the influx of criminals from different states.

He alleged that some gangs committed crimes in states such as Jonglei and Lakes before settling in Nimule where he said they continue to commit more crimes.

David said some gangs came from Uganda to commit crimes in Nimule before hiding in the refugee camps.

“On Monday we received reinforcements from Juba, as per IGP directive, we carried out the operation and arrested almost a hundred gangs – those disrupting security within Nimule,” David said.

“Yesterday (Monday) we screened to see who is involved and who is not. We are still screening them now,” he said.

“Those criminals come from different states, such as Jonglei. They committed a crime there and came to Nimule. And some of them settle in refugee camps,” he added.

“In Uganda they will come and commit a crime and go back. That’s why we identified them when we discovered they had committed a crime. Anyone who has previously committed a crime will be brought before the court for trial.”

Kasmiro added that police have strengthened night patrols to reduce gang-related crimes as citizens live in panic over growing insecurity in the city.

In early September, fighting between two gang groups led to the injury of four, who were taken to Gulu for further medical attention.

One is said to have died after suffering serious brain injuries.