An attack on the Toyota Voxy was the latest insecurity incident on Juba-Nimule highway, Wednesday, August 11, 2021 | Credit | Courtesy

A joint security team has been sent to map out locations where criminals often launch attacks on travelers along the Juba-Nimule highway, the National Police Service has said.

The assessment team headed up by the SSPDF is also composed of officers from the Tiger Division, NSS, and NPS.

It is expected to identify and lay out a detailed action plan to “disrupt criminal activities” in the hotspot areas.

In a statement issued on Monday, the police spokesperson mentioned that the security teams are working to ensure the violent attacks on the highway is addressed once and for all.

Maj.-Gen. Daniel Justin said they believe the ambushes are meant to derail the government’s efforts in implementing the revitalized peace agreement.

South Sudan, a land-locked country, depends almost entirely on imports largely from Kenya and Uganda.

The move comes hours after the Kenya Transporters’ Association advised all its drivers to suspend their movements to South Sudan.

It told the truck drivers not to risk their lives by continuing to deliver goods and services to South Sudan.

The association further said there is currently no security assurance as the country is highly volatile.

This is after the Nimule Road witnessed increased lawlessness and insecurity.

In April 2021, at least 11 truck drivers were killed in South Sudan and their vehicles burnt or vandalized.

Last week, four travelers including two reverend sisters of the Catholic Church were shot dead on the same highway.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that some truck drivers were also ambushed over the weekend on Nimule Road.

The South Sudan National Police Service condemned the barbaric attacks on civilians by the bandits.

It assured the public of its commitment to provide security for people and their properties, in collaboration with other organized forces.

The statement by the police service concluded by calling on people residing in the villages along the Juba-Nimule highway to support the organized forces identifying perpetrators of these violent acts.