Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka, the national police spokesperson, highlighted the operation’s impact during a press briefing on July 10, 2025.
“The rate of crime has reduced dramatically, and I’m happy to say that,” Enoka stated. “The result of this operation is evident: Juba is calm, and we have not heard reports of gang-related incidents for over a week now.”
The operation, launched in response to rising concerns about gang violence in Juba, involved coordinated efforts by police and other security agencies to restore order in the city’s most affected neighbourhoods.
The week-long crackdown, which began on July 1, 2025, led to the arrest of over 600 individuals, including a significant number of minors. Enoka explained that the police conducted a meticulous screening process to differentiate between hardened criminals and those caught up in the sweeps.
“The minors were promptly released to their parents after thorough vetting,” he said. “We also freed individuals who were students or found to be medically unwell, ensuring that only those posing a genuine threat remained in custody.”
This approach, Enoka noted, was designed to balance public safety with fairness, particularly for vulnerable groups.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has faced persistent security challenges, including armed conflicts, intercommunal violence, and urban crime.
Juba, the nation’s political and economic hub, has seen a rise in gang activities in recent years, fueled by economic hardship, unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms. The recent operation targeted known gang hideouts in areas such as Gudele, Kator, Shirkat, Lologo, and Munuki, where residents had reported frequent robberies, assaults, and extortion.
The timing of the operation was critical, as it preceded South Sudan’s 14th Independence Day celebrations, a period often marked by heightened security risks. Enoka reported that no major incidents were recorded across the country’s 10 states and three administrative areas during the holiday.
“There were no negative reports or disturbances from any of the states or administrative areas,” he said, commending the professionalism of the police and security personnel. “Their disciplined conduct ensured that both the operation and the national celebrations proceeded without incident.”
The remaining detainees are undergoing further investigation. Enoka stated that the police are working diligently to complete their assessments, with those found guilty expected to be arraigned in court in the coming weeks.
Enoka praised the security forces for their restraint and professionalism, noting that no reports of abuse or misconduct were filed during the operation or the Independence Day festivities.
The peaceful Independence Day celebrations and the decline in crime represent a rare moment of stability for South Sudan, a country still grappling with the effects of a civil war that ended in 2020 but left deep social and economic scars.
