Buikwe, (UG): The Territorial police in Ssezibwa Region and Njeru Division in Buikwe District have arrested 14 members of a gang in an intelligence-led operation on criminals actively involved in muggings, knife-point attacks and robberies, smash-and-grab attacks.
The raids were carried out in their various hideouts behind Hared Petrol Station, Wampala zone, Njeru West Ward, Njeru Central and municipality, Nile Lower Nara zone.
The suspects include; Baluka Francis, Senyongo Asraf, Odeya James, Runamanyire Sam, Muhaya Hassan, Gumisiriza James, Yusuf Ziwa, Omaset Victor, Ogenrwoth Fortunate, Matovu Yasin, Lugya Micheal, Lule Muhammed, Okumu Peter, Onen Franco and Anguyo Ronnie.
Police Spokesperson Mr Fred Enanga, told journalists on Monday that the suspects were found in possession of knives, breaking implements and Marijuana.
“The gang comprises of notorious young boys and adults between the ages 12 to 25 years, who split it into smaller groups of 5 – 6 individuals and carry out random attacks from blackspots including revellers from Forever Resort,” Mr Enanga said, adding that the most recent operation which led to their arrest was carried out on 8th January 2024.
The Police spokesperson said the ongoing operations are part of a broader initiative to restore peace and safety in the region. “The operations to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs in Njeru Municipality, are ongoing, to purposely restore peace and safety,” he said.
A police crime annual report of 2022 indicated an increase in the rate of robbery cases from 5275 in 2021 to 6,854. Out of these, there were 4,338 cases related to simple robbery cases while aggravated robbery complaints were 2,516.
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