At least 22 SSPDF soldiers have been arrested for allegedly defecting to an opposition armed group in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state.
The soldiers are accused of joining and mobilizing youth for General Paul Malong’s South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A).
According to the Commander of SSPDF Lion Division 3 in the state, the suspects were apprehended while allegedly mobilizing youth in Bhar Mayen, Arroyo, and Kangi.
Major General Akuei Ajou Akuei alleged the soldiers were led by an officer called Akol Ngong Ayok from SSPDF Division 11.
“Those officers were doing mobilization in some areas in Aweil Center and parts of Western Bhar El Ghazal in places like Bhar wut-wut, Bhar Mayen Kayago, Gat Riang Agany, Pagai and Chel-Kou,” he claimed.
Maj. Gen. Ajou added that most of the soldiers arrested are in the rank of Brigadiers.
“We investigated them and they will soon be taken to court,” he added.
SSUF/A is yet to comment on the matter.