By Sabri Dibaco
Authorities at the Nimule border crossing have confirmed that security has been restored following an attack on long-distance truck drivers that left three East African drivers injured on Wednesday evening.
Speaking to the No. 1 Citizen Daily newspaper, Assistant Commissioner in charge of the checkpoint, Malik Jacob, confirmed that unknown assailants targeted foreign truck drivers on Wednesday night.
“Yesterday evening, a group of attackers within Nimule targeted long-distance truck drivers. Three drivers were attacked, and all of them were injured,” Jacob said.
The victims, who are East African drivers transporting goods into South Sudan, raised immediate concerns over safety along the route. The incident triggered localised protests among the drivers, who felt they were not being adequately protected.
To address the unrest, security forces were swiftly deployed along the Nimule-Juba Road, stabilising the situation overnight and reassuring the transporters.
“The drivers mobilized themselves to express that they are not being protected, but we managed the situation by deploying our forces. We deployed heavy forces along the road, and we have calmed down the situation. This morning, the border was opened, buses left for Uganda, and business is now normal,” Jacob explained
Jacob also confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection with the attack; the suspects entered a driver’s vehicle and removed the key, and security personnel pursued and apprehended the trio. and are currently in detention while investigations continue.
Despite the initial tensions, most drivers have resumed operations and expressed satisfaction with the increased security presence; the trade flows have normalised. Goods are moving across the border, and tax collection is continuing as usual. Jacob told this outlet.
The Nimule border point plays a vital role in South Sudan’s economy, serving as the primary entry point for imports from East Africa. Insecurity along transport corridors, including armed robbery, ambushes, and sporadic violence, has long posed economic and logistical challenges. Disruptions targeting truck drivers threaten lives and cause supply chain bottlenecks that drive up the prices of basic goods across the country.
Authorities have pledged to strengthen the security presence along major highways to prevent future attacks.
“We assure the public that the situation is under control. Our forces are on the ground to guarantee safety,” Jacob stated.