SPLA-IO allies raid NSS office, leave five critically injured

JUBA – Gunmen affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) on Thursday stormed the office of the South Sudan National Security Service in Kapoeta South County of Eastern Equatoria State, leaving five officers critically injured.

A shooting incident began around 4:30 AM, targeting the national security office and subsequently the SSPDF barracks, leading to unrest in Kapoeta South.

Gen. Louis Lobong Lojore, governor of Eastern Equatoria state, told reporters on Thursday that government forces pursuing the perpetrators of the Kapeota South attacks were ambushed at the Singaita River, resulting in at least five injuries.

“We have taken security precautions and measures. We want to make sure that these things will not happen again,” said Lobong.

Lobong said the government forces followed the footprints of the suspects but encountered an ambush.

He attributed the act to the SPLA-IO forces and the National Salvation Front, expressing his administration’s commitment to holding the responsible parties accountable.

According to Lobong, the shooting caused panic, forcing some to take refuge in nearby villages.

Elia John Ahaji, Eastern Equatoria state government spokesperson who also doubles as the minister of information, said those injured are currently receiving treatment at Kapeota Civil Hospital, while individuals in critical condition will be transported to Juba for additional care.

“We would like to assure the public that the security situation remains calm. The people of Kapoeta and its surroundings are going about their normal business without disruption,” John said.

He said the authorities and community members are pursuing the assailants who fled in disarray.

On September 17, 2025, armed men ambushed and robbed humanitarian vehicles belonging to CARITAS and Save the Children along the Magwi-Torit Road, stealing mobile phones, laptop computers, and a significant amount of money.

On September 20, 2025, the same group attacked and murdered a prison warden officer transporting laborers from the prison garden in Isalaro Boma of Imurok Payam along the Magwi-Torit Road around 4:15 PM.

Eyewitnesses stated that the attackers were carrying Y-shaped sticks and some dried meat, which are common traits associated with Murie criminals.