By Alan Clement
The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) has admitted the transfer of some suspected gangs from Juba to other states, citing inadequate space at detention centres.
In the ongoing “crackdown on niggas” operation, police reported over 600; however, the number continues to increase daily as the crackdown continues.
The move was confirmed by the police spokesperson in an exclusive interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily English Newspaper, where he explained that the capital’s detention centers are overwhelmed due to the scale of recent arrests.
“The detention facility in Juba is not enough to take them,” Monday said. “What happens is we inquire in states, which state has space in their detention centers. Those states that have space, they are taken there,” he added.
The transfer, according to the police, ensures that all detained individuals remain in lawful custody as they await possible prosecution.
The arrests are part of a broader security operation launched last month following a surge in gang-related violence, including a serious rape case in Gumbo that drew widespread public concern. The operation, referred to as the “crackdown on niggas,” was initiated by the acting Minister of Interior in coordination with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and his deputy.
Intended to originally last a month, the operation according to the police has been extended following a review of its impact.
Monday said the continued deployment of forces is necessary, especially since some gang members fled the capital to hide in the states when the operation began. “The operation will continue until the scale reduces to a reasonable number,” the police said, noting that once stability is achieved, deployed forces will be reassigned.
While addressing public concerns, the police spokesperson refuted claims that detained individuals are being conscripted into the armed forces. He clarified that recruitment into the police or military requires individuals with clean records, who are above 18 years of age, educated, and medically fit. “It is a complete lie that people are being conscripted,” he said. “Sending an untrained person to the battlefield is like a death sentence.”
Monday, also dismissed allegations that officers are accepting bribes to release detainees. “There is no such thing happening,” he stated. “The police only have the power to release individuals during the screening process. Those who are detained can only be released by the public prosecution attorney,” Monday stressed.
According to Monday, police procedures remain in place during the crackdown to screen suspects upon arrest. Those to have genuine reasons for their presence are released under parental undertakings, while the rest are prepared for prosecution.
In the states, Police Commissioners are tasked with overseeing local security under the direction of state security committees, while in the capital, the IGP manages national and state security plans throughout the year.
The police maintain that the operation will continue until the threat posed by gangs is diminished.