KUAJOK — The Warrap State government has launched a major police recruitment and training programme aimed at strengthening law enforcement and addressing persistent insecurity that has long plagued the state.
The initiative, currently underway at the Wartit Police Training Centre in Kuajok, seeks to recruit thousands of young men and women into the South Sudan National Police Service as part of broader efforts to restore law and order.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor, the state government plans to recruit more than 5,000 able-bodied men and women into the police service.
The recruits are undergoing basic police training covering criminal law, the Penal Code, the Police Act, evidence law, police operations, human rights, arms management and other core policing skills.
On Tuesday, Acting Governor and Deputy Governor Aluel Garang visited the training centre alongside Warrap State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Juma Monday Semaye to assess the progress of the programme.
During the visit, Maj. Gen. Monday briefed the deputy governor on the ongoing training, saying it is being delivered by a team of 64 instructors, including 14 senior police officers.
“The recruits are receiving instructions in criminal law, the Penal Code, the Police Act, evidence law, police operations, human rights, arms management and other general policing skills,” the police commissioner said.
He added that Governor Bol Wek Agoth has directed the state authorities to increase the number of recruits to more than 5,000 should the security situation and operational needs require additional personnel.
According to the commissioner, the current training programme is expected to conclude in October, after which the newly trained officers will be deployed across the state to reinforce policing and improve public security.
Addressing the recruits, Deputy Governor Garang commended both the instructors and trainees for their commitment and urged the cadets to remain disciplined throughout the course.
She encouraged the recruits to embrace professionalism, respect the rule of law and uphold the values expected of police officers once they enter active service.
Meanwhile, the state’s Minister of Labour and Public Service welcomed the large turnout of applicants, saying the government was prepared to approve the recruitment of additional police personnel to strengthen security across Warrap.
The recruitment drive comes as Warrap continues to grapple with chronic insecurity, including recurring cattle raids, armed banditry and intercommunal violence.
Despite repeated government interventions over the years, these incidents have remained a major challenge, often resulting in deaths, displacement and destruction of property.
Some local civil society activists have previously accused officials of failing to adequately control the proliferation of small arms among civilians, alleging that weapons continue to find their way into communities through informal smuggling networks. Authorities have not publicly responded to those allegations.
State officials hope the expanded police force will improve law enforcement capacity and enhance public safety once the newly trained officers are deployed.
However, observers note that lasting peace will likely require a combination of effective policing, disarmament efforts, stronger local governance and sustained dialogue to address the root causes of violence in Warrap.
