Some 15,000 soldiers are to be deployed in Lakes, Warrap and Unity states to beef up security in the region and combat cattle rustling.
The Governor of Lakes State, Chol Tong Mayay, told the press that Lakes will receive 6,000, Warrap 5,000 and Unity 4,000 armed officers, Good News Radio reported.He said the deployment was one of the resolutions from a meeting between the governors of the three states with the South Sudan Army Commander, the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief for Operations.
Eng. Tong added that the troops will also disarm civilians to curb cross border cattle rustling.
He explained that security was the priority of his government, adding that development projects require peace and security.
Eng. Tong reiterated his government’s desire to embark on service delivery, insisting on the need to root out criminals.
He urged offenders still at large to surrender themselves to the security forces, adding that acts of crime are not tolerated.
The Governor also talked tough about non-performing government officials saying laziness, corruption and attempts to sabotage will not be tolerated no matter the position of the officer.