Police in Arua City have arrested 22 male suspects during an intelligence-led operation targeting crime hotspots in the Central Division as part of ongoing efforts to curb robberies, theft and drug-related offences.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, June 30, involved officers from the Arua City Central Division Police working alongside community vigilantes. It targeted the cells of Gurua, Osu, Hospital, Abia, Academy and Niva following persistent complaints from residents about rising cases of theft and robbery.
During the operation, police recovered quantities of suspected marijuana and several housebreaking implements and other dangerous tools believed to have been used in criminal activities. Officers also destroyed marijuana gardens that had been illegally cultivated in some of the targeted areas.
All the suspects are currently being held at Arua City Central Division Police Station as investigations continue.
Speaking to the media, West Nile Regional Police Public Relations Officer SSP Josephine Angucia said the operation was prompted by intelligence reports and repeated complaints from the public over growing insecurity in the city.
"The operation was intelligence-led and aimed at disrupting criminal networks operating within the identified crime hotspots. We arrested 22 suspects and recovered suspected marijuana together with housebreaking implements. We also destroyed marijuana gardens that had been illegally planted in the affected areas," SSP Angucia said.
She added that the suspects will be charged upon completion of investigations.
"Once investigations are concluded and the case files are sanctioned, the suspects will be produced before court to answer charges related to unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of housebreaking implements and any other offences supported by the available evidence," she said.
SSP Angucia reaffirmed the police's commitment to maintaining security in Arua City, noting that similar intelligence-led operations will continue.
"These operations are intended to make Arua City safer for residents and businesses. We shall sustain intelligence-led operations to ensure criminals have no space to operate," she said.
She also appealed to young people to shun crime and pursue lawful means of earning a living.
"We urge the youth and all city residents to avoid engaging in criminal activities as a means of survival. Instead, they should embrace productive and lawful income-generating activities that improve their livelihoods while contributing to the development of the community," Angucia added.
Police said the continued operations form part of broader efforts to restore public confidence in security and create a safer environment for trade, investment and other economic activities in Arua City.