Police arrested eight people Thursday in Jur River County, Western Bahr el Ghazal state, on suspicion of robbing commercial trucks along the Wau-Tonj road, authorities said.
State police spokesperson Maj. Santino Oduol told Radio Tamazuj that officers acted on a tip about armed youths attacking trucks along the Aluel-Agok to Wau route.
“Around 8 a.m. Thursday, we received information from our source in Kauyaya about armed youth looting trucks,” Oduol said. “A joint operation was ordered, leading to eight arrests.”
Police seized an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, two motorbikes, and stolen goods, Oduol said. A case has been filed, though some suspects remain at large.
Although eight suspects are in custody, Oduol said others remain at large, with security forces pursuing them. He urged victims of roadside theft to report losses to police for verification.
“We have recovered goods, including six bags of glucose biscuits, 10 bags of rice, two motorbikes and plastic cups,” Oduol said. “Anyone who lost items should come forward with details to reclaim their belongings.”
Similar incidents have occurred in the area. Last year, opposition SPLA-IO forces led by Brig. Gen. Bol Wek arrested four suspects for looting near Jebel Maloulou.