Authorities in Arua City have detained a 46-year-old motorcycle taxi operator after discovering him with a loaded assault rifle near the Democratic Republic of Congo frontier. Atabua Patrick was apprehended at Odramacaku Trading Centre following intelligence that linked him to a criminal network responsible for recent armed holdups across the West Nile area. Security forces executed a preemptive operation after learning the group intended to target a beer delivery truck, seizing an AK-47 containing 50 live rounds along with the suspect's motorcycle.
West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia stated that investigators opened a firearms possession case at Arua Central Police Station, where both the suspect and the confiscated weapon remain. The arrest represents the second illegal rifle recovery in the city within three weeks, following the detention of another individual attempting to board transport to Kampala while carrying similar weaponry. Angucia commended the rapid response and encouraged residents to report information about illicit arms.
West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia stated that investigators opened a firearms possession case at Arua Central Police Station, where both the suspect and the confiscated weapon remain. The arrest represents the second illegal rifle recovery in the city within three weeks, following the detention of another individual attempting to board transport to Kampala while carrying similar weaponry. Angucia commended the rapid response and encouraged residents to report information about illicit arms.
