In a coordinated crackdown on gang-related crime, law enforcement agencies in the Northwest Nile region and Arua Central Police Station have arrested 59 suspects and dismantled criminal operations.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says a targeted operation conducted across 17 cells in Arua city resulted in the arrest of 59 notorious gang members.

Additionally, 15 motorcycles, including 12 numberless Ssenke models, were impounded.

These motorcycles are believed to have been being utilised in ride-along attacks and robberies targeting pedestrians, women, businesspeople, civil servants and other members of the community

"The gang's modus operandi involved snatching smartphones, bags, wallets and other valuables from victims, often at knife-point," Enanga said during the joint weekly media briefing on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

He added that the task force, leveraging intelligence-led strategies, conducted a series of raids in key criminal hubs.

On March 25, operations in cells such as Ediofe, Mission, Lumumba, and Oli "D" led to the arrest of 32 suspects and the seizure of seven numberless motorcycles, along with dangerous weapons including pangas, knives, and sharp implements.

Further raids on March 28 targeted areas such as Awindiri, Lobida, Buruku, Terego, and Orphanage villages, resulting in the arrest of 27 suspects and the impounding of eight motorcycles (five numberless), according to Enanga.

Additionally, authorities recovered dangerous sharp implements and narcotic substances from the suspects.

While addressing journalists at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Enanga said the charges against the arrested individuals range from possession of narcotic drugs, robbery and attempted murder, to possession of dangerous weapons.