At least 14 suspects have been arrested and 41 motorcycles impounded in intelligence-led police operations conducted in Arua City and Adjumani District on Tuesday. In Adjumani District alone, police conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected stolen motorcycles, motorcycles with altered number plates, and those believed to be involved in cross-border crimes.
The operation led to the impounding of 14 motorcycles and the arrest of 13 suspects. According to Collins Asea, the Police Spokesperson for the North West Nile Region, the joint operation involving police and UPDF officers was launched following security concerns raised by the local community. Asea said the information provided by residents significantly contributed to the success of the operation.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Tuesday 16th June 2026, at around 6:00 am, police from Arua Central Business Division arrested a suspected notorious gang member, who later led them to Hidmola Hotel, formerly known as Republic Hotel, along Lemerijua Road, Obolokofuku Cell, Arua Central Ward in Arua City.
Security personnel discovered and impounded 27 unregistered motorcycles without number plates that were parked in the hotel yard. The motorcycles were taken to Arua City Central Business Division Police Station for verification and further investigations. Arua Central Police Station Division Police Commander (DPC) Joseph Bongo confirmed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the 27 motorcycles, some of which are suspected to have been stolen.
He added that some of the other suspects had escaped to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and security agencies are continuing with efforts to apprehend them.
Meanwhile, Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Betty Otekat Akello said security agencies are committed to restoring order in the city and ensuring residents move freely without fear of robbery or attacks on their property.
Police have opened a General Inquiry File and appealed to members of the public to support investigations and come forward to reclaim motorcycles suspected to have been stolen, upon providing proper evidence of ownership. Police authorities say more operations will continue as investigations proceed under Arua City Central Business Division General Inquiry File GEF 088/2026-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
