The surprise search operation conducted by South Sudan’s Security Committee on Saturday in Juba recovered over 200 different weapons.
The security committee was set up to oversee the pre-independence security preparation arrangements.South Sudan Inspector General of Police Achuil Tito Madut said the operation recovered AK 47s, RPGs, G3 rifles, pistols, bows and arrows, various ammunitions and illegal army uniforms.
He said the operation, which involved the thorough inspection of vehicles and a house-by-house sweep, aimed at creating a secure environment ahead of the independence.
Mr. Achuil said the search operation was conducted in a professional manner compared to the previous ones.
The previous operations were smeared with allegations of harassment and looting of peoples’ property by the security agents.
The police chief apologized for any inconveniences caused by the operation.
He said it was done in the public interest to maintain a secure environment for the independence celebrations.