Security forces in Central Equatoria State have intensified operations to track down and rescue abducted children following a directive from the State Council of Ministers to strengthen vigilance against child kidnapping and gang-related activities.
The decision was made on Thursday during a cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel at the State Secretariat in Juba.
The meeting focused on the security situation across the state, which officials described as largely stable but facing persistent challenges from isolated criminal incidents.
Governor Mujung emphasized the importance of collective action among state institutions to maintain public safety and ensure effective service delivery.
He urged ministers to remain focused on their mandates and work closely with local authorities to protect communities.
Addressing the media after the meeting, the State Minister of Information and Communication, Nyarsuk Patrick, said the cabinet received a detailed security briefing from the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies.
“While the general security situation remains calm, the council raised concern over the recent cases of child abduction and gang-related incidents in Juba and surrounding counties,” Nyarsuk said.
According to the report, six children were abducted last week at Aru Junction in Lokiliri Payam.
Two have since been rescued by security forces, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining four and reunite them with their families.
The cabinet also reviewed a memo from Hon. Huda Micah Laila, Minister of Labour, Public Service, and Human Resource Development, presenting the proposed Public Service Training Policy.
The policy aims to enhance the skills, motivation, and professionalism of public servants to improve government performance.
Hon. Nyarsuk said the cabinet deferred the policy paper to the next sitting to allow the ministry to integrate additional suggestions and strategies shared by ministers during deliberations.
The Council of Ministers further endorsed the resolutions of the previous meeting with amendments, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening security coordination and community safety initiatives across Central Equatoria State.
