By Andrew Cohen Amvesi
ARUA
The police in Arua City have rounded up a total of 78 hard core criminals fond of terrorizing locals in the city center.
This follows the recent security concerns in the City where locals are waylaid, robbed and at times killed by goons.
As a result, Josephine Angucia, the North Western police spokesperson said police had to intensify intelligence-led operations in the area leading to the arrest of the 78 criminals and recovery of several items.
Among the items recovered are 20 numberless motorcycles and numerous rolls of Marijuana.
“On Friday, February 9th, 2024, during the night hours, operations were conducted in various areas of Arua city, including Awindiri, Tuwambe stretch, Kirabu area, Driver’s corner, Sansiro, Arua public area, Bamboo village, and Concord. This operation resulted in the arrest of 46 suspects for various offenses, along with the impoundment of 5 numberless motorcycles, which have been parked at Arua CBD pending investigations,” Angucia said.
She noted that following screening with the assistance of LCs, 10 of the arrested individuals were released with serious caution, while the remaining 36 were taken to court to face various charges.
“On Friday 16th February 2024 from 11:30am to 1:00 pm, operations were conducted in areas of Drivers’ Corner, Concord, Osu bridge, Air Japan, Arua Primary, Lobida area, Sansiro, Hospital Road, and Swalia cell out of which 21 people were arrested, and 15 numberless motorcycles impounded,” Angucia added.
She said 12 of those arrested were taken to court for various offences and remanded, while 09 were released with serious caution upon screening with the help of LCs.
“On Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, from 10:00 am to 1:40 pm, another intelligence-led operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of 11 suspected criminals and the recovery of numerous rolls of Marijuana. The suspects are detained at Arua Central Business Division, where their Marijuana is being held as evidence. Investigations are underway, and upon completion, they will be brought before court to face the charges against them,” Angucia further explained.
Angucia said the impoundment of numberless motorcycles aims to disrupt criminal activities and ensure compliance with URA regulations.
She observed that such operations will continue until stability is restored in Arua City.
“We urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement by sharing timely information to eliminate criminal elements from our community,” the PRO appealed.
