Morobe police dismantle armed criminal gang along Wau-Bulolo highway

Police in Morobe Province have dismantled a dangerous armed criminal gang responsible for a string of violent attacks along the Wau–Bulolo Highway, following an intelligence-led operation conducted on December 12.

A statement from the Morobe Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, confirmed that his officers from the Bulolo Police Station, supported by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Police Support Unit (PSU), carried out a targeted raid at Pine Top in the Wau Waria District, after receiving reliable information from the community.

Reports from the PPC's office confirmed that as a result of this operation, 14 suspects were arrested, including one juvenile, while two other suspects remain at large as 'persons of interest'.

Police also dismantled an illegal firearms manufacturing site during the operation, and seized a large cache of weapons, ammunition and equipment linked to the criminal activities.

The items recovered included several homemade firearms, a factory-made single-shot firearm, 7.62mm live ammunition, welding and grinding machines used to manufacture weapons, a generator, mobile phones containing evidentiary material, and various crime accessories such as masks, gloves, torches, bush knives and axes.

Chief Superintendent Siguyaru confirmed that the investigations revealed that the gang had been operating in large armed groups, targeting public motor vehicles (PMVs) and private cars, particularly during late-night hours near the Pine Top Bridge.

"These criminals instilled fear among motorists and surrounding communities, and posed a serious threat to public safety along this key highway," Chief Superintendent Siguyaru said in the statement.

Police have so far laid charges against nine of the suspects for offences relating to the unlawful custody and control of firearms and live ammunition, as well as possession of stolen property.

Four other suspects have been charged with loitering and possession of firearms. Several of those arrested are known repeat offenders with previous convictions for serious crimes, including armed robbery, breaking and entering, threatening violence and wounding.

“This successful operation has significantly disrupted criminal networks operating along the Wau–Bulolo Highway, removed illegal weapons from circulation and restored confidence among road users and the local community,” the PPC also mentioned.

Chief Superintendent Siguyaru went on to commended the officers involved for their professionalism and effective use of intelligence.

“I commend our officers for their discipline, courage and commitment. Their actions reflect the highest standards of policing within the Morobe Provincial Police Command,” he said.

Police investigations are continuing to link the suspects to other crimes committed in Bulolo and Wau, while efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the remaining suspects.

Chief Superintendent Siguyaru reiterated, that police are commitment to public safety, particularly during the festive season.