Lira Police Arrest 42 Suspects in Night Crime Crackdown, Recover Pangas and Opium

Police in Lira City Central Division have arrested 42 suspects in an intelligence-led night operation targeting individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities across several parts of the city.

The operation was conducted from the night of Tuesday, August 25, to the morning of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, covering Te-Alok, Atego Ward, Starch Factory and Tekulu in Ojwina.

According to police, the crackdown followed growing complaints from residents over alleged criminal activities in the affected areas. These included housebreaking and theft, simple robbery and phone snatching.

North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said officers recovered several items believed to be connected to criminal activity during the operation.

Among the recovered exhibits were pangas, suspected opium, four-head spears, aviation fuel and a knife.

The 42 suspects are currently being held in police custody pending a joint screening exercise involving local leaders. Police say case files will be compiled after screening and submitted to the Resident Chief State Attorney for legal guidance before the suspects are taken to court.

SP Okema called on residents to continue sharing information about suspected criminal activities with security agencies, saying community information helps police commanders identify hotspots and plan targeted operations.

He also warned that the crackdown is not limited to the areas already covered, saying similar operations will be extended to other parts of Lira City.

“We pledge our commitment to ensuring a crime-free society.”

The latest operation adds to a series of police crackdowns in Lira City aimed at disrupting suspected criminal gangs and addressing public concerns over night-time crime.

The suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.