Five citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were arrested in Nebbi District on suspicion of human trafficking, after a group of twenty-four people—five adults and nineteen minors—was intercepted by security forces at Goli parking lot in Boma East.
The arrest was carried out by officers attached to Goli Police Station during a routine patrol.
Authorities say the group was travelling on foot and claimed to be heading to Ocea refugee camp in Arua District for registration.
However, the number of unaccompanied minors and the absence of clear familial ties raised suspicions, prompting security agencies to intervene.
The arrested adults, all residents of Mungere village in Mahagi territory, Ituri Province, were taken into custody for further interrogation.
They are currently being held at Goli Police Station, where they have been questioned in the presence of officials from the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), and other security and immigration departments.
According to initial findings, security personnel noted discrepancies in the group’s stated intentions and travel arrangements, particularly the minors’ connection to the accompanying adults.
Authorities suspect that the group may have been trafficked, possibly en route to an uncertain fate under the guise of refugee resettlement.
In response, a joint taskforce of security agencies has been constituted to manage the investigation and coordinate next steps, including potential repatriation of the suspects to Congolese authorities.
The minors are currently under protective care while authorities determine their identities and welfare needs.
The case remains under active investigation as security forces work with Congolese counterparts to establish the true nature of the group’s movement and the possible networks behind it.