Operational plans are being adapted to focus on the root manipulators of bloodshed and there will be an increase of security force personnel in hotspots to minimize killing and property of damage.
This is the advice from the Commissioner of Police David Manning, who explained the tough approach by security forces to address the increasingly horrific and senseless killings in parts of the Highlands and especially in the Enga Province.
He said security forces will continue to neutralize combatants and search warrants are being taken out against people instigating fighting for their own personal and political gain.
“Through their respective commanders, security force personnel have been instructed to use all means necessary to detain gunmen and to use lethal force when warranted.”
The Commissioner has advised the Prime Minister and Internal Security Minister of these additional measures to the security operations in Enga.
“Assistant Commissioner Operations, Samson Kua, will lead the effort in his new appointment as ACP Western Region.”
“ACP Kua is being supported with an enhanced deployment of specialist tactical equipment to deliver maximum damage to the criminal element in Enga.”
Manning further said they will be bringing in senior and respected security personnel who are either from Enga, or have long term experience in the area, to advise local commanders.
“This is essential for security forces to intervene, and to identify and arrest known agitators, including any political operatives.”
Capacity for detainees from tribal conflict zones being processed through courts and a zero-tolerance for any risks will be increased.
Manning said security forces are opting to address the root cause of conflicts to stop the senseless violence.
“We all know the tribesmen going out with guns and bush knives are being manipulated by politicians at all levels.”
“These are puppeteers shedding the blood of their tribesmen for their personal gain.”
“Hired gunmen are also being used to conduct raids on villages, but these hired idiots are being slaughtered because they do not know the lay of the land they are threatening.”
He admitted that colonial interventions are little help in this situation where people are being driven by traditional ways of conflict resolution.
“There has never been a specific strategy that honestly brings together cultural tradition with modern law enforcement, and of course the potential of political manipulation, so this is where we are rewriting the rulebook.”
“As Commissioner, I will see our Police Force continue to adopt a problem-focused model of policing, responding to serious crimes forcefully and without hesitation.
“Community policing engagement will continue with relevant personnel, while the main effort is using force to stop the fighting and detaining the political agitators.
“Many of these are politicians who wear a suit and tie by day and abuse cultural beliefs and manipulate tribes by night.”
Commissioner stated there is an increased security force personnel in Enga Province along with a simple message.
“If you pick up a weapon with the intention of fighting you will likely be killed, and if you are a political manipulator causing villagers to bear arms, there is nowhere for you to hide.”