Illegal ammunition shipment intercepted in Tonj South County

The operation, conducted on Wednesday, followed intensified surveillance and inspection measures introduced to combat the growing problem of illegal firearm trafficking

By Aguok Chok

Suspects in illegal ammunition shipment after they were apprehended by authorities in Tonj South.

Security forces in Tonj South County have intercepted a major shipment of illegal ammunition and arrested two suspects at the Bab-cok security checkpoint along the Wau–Tonj road.

The operation, conducted on Wednesday, followed intensified surveillance and inspection measures introduced to combat the growing problem of illegal firearm trafficking.

According to local authorities, alert security personnel discovered 1,688 rounds of live ammunition concealed during a routine checkpoint search.

The ammunition was allegedly being transported by two suspects identified as citizens from Jonglei State’s Bor area. Both individuals are now in custody as investigations continue to determine the intended destination of the seized munitions and identify possible criminal networks involved.

Officials say the interception highlights the continued demand for illegal weapons and ammunition in areas affected by communal conflicts, cattle raids, and intercommunal violence. Authorities believe such trafficking networks supply armed groups and criminal elements, fueling instability and threatening the safety of civilians across several counties.

Col. John Ayitiak Warwien, the Commissioner of Tonj South County, commended the security forces for their vigilance and professionalism, stating that the successful operation demonstrates the importance of strengthened checkpoint monitoring and intelligence-led patrols.

He emphasized that preventing illegal arms from reaching communities is a critical component of restoring peace and protecting innocent lives.

“The volume of this seizure is clear evidence that illegal firearms remain in high demand,” Commissioner Warwien stated.

 “These munitions are being procured by both civilians and criminals to fuel the ongoing violence in our communities. By intercepting these supplies, we are directly weakening the capacity of these groups to carry out further attacks.”

Local authorities say the Bab-cok checkpoint has recently been reinforced as part of broader county-level security reforms aimed at tightening road inspections and preventing the movement of illegal weapons across state borders. Security officials also confirmed that collaboration between local law enforcement, community leaders, and national security agencies has been strengthened to ensure early detection of trafficking attempts.

Commissioner Warwien reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining strict enforcement measures and urged citizens to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious movements or illegal arms transactions.

He also discouraged involvement in the illegal arms trade, warning that the practice fuels violence, undermines peace building efforts, and brings suffering to communities.

Authorities in Tonj South say investigations into the intercepted shipment are ongoing, and further arrests may follow if additional suspects are linked to the case.

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“The volume of this seizure is clear evidence that illegal firearms remain in high demand,” Col. John Ayitiak Warwien, the Commissioner of Tonj South County.