Man arrested with 500 illegal firearms in Northern Bahr el Ghazal crackdown

AWEIL – Police in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have arrested a 30-year-old man accused of attempting to smuggle a large cache of illegal firearms for sale, in what authorities describe as a breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb arms proliferation in the region.

The suspect, identified as Ngor Atak, was apprehended on Thursday in Nyamlel Town, Aweil County, while reportedly en route to Aweil Town.

According to police, he had allegedly transported the weapons from the River Kiir area and was planning to sell them on the black market.

Speaking to local media, the state police spokesperson, Madut Ngong Aleu, confirmed that the suspect is in custody and undergoing interrogation by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers in Aweil.

“We are now interrogating a 30-year-old man identified as Ngor Atak. He is a civilian,” Aleu said. “The number of weapons recovered is 500 in total. He told investigators that he bought them from Kiir-Adem near the Sudan border.”

Police said the cache includes AK-47 rifles and other types of firearms. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full breakdown of the seized weapons, noting that comprehensive details will be released once investigations are complete. The case is expected to be forwarded to the prosecuting authorities after the inquiry concludes.

The arrest comes just a week after the state government issued an ultimatum requiring residents to register their firearms and obtain proper licenses. Despite the directive, officials say illegal weapons continue to circulate among civilians, fueling insecurity and communal violence.

Recent reports indicate similar arrests in Tonj South County of neighbouring Warrap State, raising concerns that arms trafficking networks may be operating across state lines, including through Western and Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

Security officials warn that the growing availability of firearms in civilian hands is exacerbating communal conflicts and contributing to rising cases of armed robbery and ambushes, particularly at night along major roads.

Authorities have urged civilians to refrain from engaging in the illegal arms trade, cautioning that while the business may appear lucrative, it carries severe legal consequences, including long-term imprisonment.

Residents are also calling for intensified patrols and stronger enforcement measures, arguing that unchecked weapons proliferation continues to threaten public safety.

In response to rising insecurity, officials in Twic County have introduced additional measures, including a temporary ban on night drumming, which they believe is sometimes used as a cover for criminal activity.

Police say they remain committed to cracking down on illegal arms trafficking as part of broader efforts to restore peace and stability across the state.