Police in Arua City have arrested seven youths in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected criminals accused of terrorising residents in the city centre.
The operation, conducted on June 3, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m., was carried out by officers from Arua City Central Business Division (CBD) in collaboration with local leaders from the Central Division. The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated security operation aimed at restoring law and order in the city.
According to police, the suspects are linked to a series of robberies in which residents were allegedly robbed of valuables including mobile phones, laptops, bags, cash, and other personal belongings.
During the operation, security personnel recovered a bag containing suspected marijuana, several rolled sticks of the same substance, and breaking implements believed to have been used in criminal activities. The exhibits were taken to Arua City Central Police Station for further investigations.
The arrested suspects were identified as Jamal Andama, Innocent Avaga, Ali Saidi, Nasib Ajiga, Gaddafi Anguyo, Junior Ajiga, and Jamal Shafiq. They are currently being held at Arua City Central Business Division Police Station.
Police have charged the suspects with possession of marijuana and possession of breaking implements. The case has been registered under SD Reference 47/03/06/2026 as investigations continue.
West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to rid Arua City of criminal elements and enhance public safety.
“We conducted this intelligence-led operation in collaboration with local leaders following concerns from residents about increasing cases of theft and robbery in the city centre. The suspects are now in custody, and investigations are ongoing to establish their involvement in other reported crimes,” SSP Angucia said.
She added that similar operations will continue across the city.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of the people of Arua City. These operations will continue until sanity fully returns. We urge especially the youth to engage in lawful and productive income-generating activities instead of criminal acts that negatively affect their communities,” she said.
Police have urged members of the public to continue sharing information that can help security agencies identify and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities.