Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka, the newly appointed spokesperson for South Sudan’s National Police Service, assumed office Wednesday, taking over from Col. John Kassara Nhial, who was transferred to the Directorate of Human Resources Development.
Enoka, an officer with 40 years of experience, previously served in Sudan’s police force for 25 years before South Sudan gained independence in 2011. He had also been police spokesperson before assignments as police commissioner in the former Gbudwe State and Eastern Equatoria State.
During the handover ceremony, Nhial thanked journalists and media outlets for their collaboration during his 10-month tenure.
“As I hand over the position today, I am filled with gratitude, pride and humility,” Nhial said. “It was one of the greatest honors of my life, and I thank God for his protection and guidance.”
He also expressed appreciation for the support of Gen. Abraham Manyuat, inspector general of police, and other senior officials.
Enoka praised Nhial as a hardworking officer and said he looked forward to continuing efforts to maintain national security.
He reported that the country’s security situation had been mostly calm over the past 24 hours, except for an attack in Western Equatoria where suspected SPLA-IO forces ambushed a truck, killing the driver.
“South Sudan National Police Service is cooperating with other security organs to ensure stability in Juba, the 10 states and the three administrative areas,” Enoka said.
However, he raised concerns over insufficient resources and training gaps, stating that more than 70% of police officers lack proper training. He also warned against civilians possessing illegal firearms, which he said undermines law enforcement.
Regarding recent security searches in Juba, Enoka said the operations were meant to curb the flow of illegal weapons into the capital and would continue as needed.