Authorities in Eastern Equatoria state say they have arrested 11 suspected and confiscated 34 firearms of various types in two areas of Kapoeta South on Saturday.
The operation started on September 6, when 13 suspects were arrested, but 11 were released, and two remain in custody pending investigation related to multiple road ambushes and looting, according to the official.
The government says the operation comes in response to the growing insecurity caused by road bandits, which has significantly hindered free movement and development in the state.
Peter Lokeng Lotone, minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, said the bandits had created an environment of fear and instability.
Lokeng says intelligence reports of criminal activities in the area prompted the operation, which " led to the successful confiscation of firearms and the arrest of individuals involved in their possession".
"A substantial cache of weapons, that include assault rifles AK47, PKM, Rocket-propelled grenade known as RPG and other, 20 scrubs weapon were recovered," Lokeng told Singaita FM.
He also said that among those arrested included an engineer who repairs spoiled guns, and many of the firearms confiscated were found in his house that were allegedly brought to him for repair.
"We got so many guns in his store. That is why all of our intellectuals of greater Kapoeta, so we can witness the guns we captured," Lokeng continued.
He emphasized the importance of these actions for the safety and development of the state.
For his part, Maj.-Gen. Adil Anthony, police administrator in greater Kapoeta, said the police would initiate legal proceedings against the suspects before they are tried in court for the alleged crimes.
He asserted that the recent incidents of insecurity along the Kapoeta-Narus, Kapoeta-Nanak, and Kapoeta-Torit roads have necessitated decisive action from the state government.
The police officer said criminals have looted vehicles and threatened lives, prompting the governor to call for the deployment of a significant force from the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) to hotspots area where criminals have targeted commercial vehicles.
"In recent days, we have experienced insecurity along the road of Kapoeta Narus, Kapoeta Nanak, and Kapoeta Torit; criminals loot vehicles and shoot people, and it was necessary for the state government to take action," said Maj.-Gen. Anthony.
He added that the police are working with a considerable force of SSPDF, which has deployed at the request of the state governor after many reports of road ambushes and looting of vehicles along the roads in the state.