Police said some of the suspects had allegedly participated in mob violence during the recent Imbalu cultural activities, in which several people were reportedly attacked, beaten and injured.
Police in Mbale City have arrested 17 suspected gang members during an intelligence-led operation targeting crime blackspots in the city.
The operation, conducted by Mbale Central Police Station (CPS) on Wednesday night, targeted areas of Mooni, Chicago Empire and Bugema, particularly an area behind the mosque.
According to Elgon Region Police spokesperson Rogers Taitika, the operation was launched at about 9:00pm following intelligence on suspected criminal activities in the targeted areas.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of 17 suspected criminals who are believed to be part of a gang terrorising Mbale City and the surrounding areas,” Taitika said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Police said some of the suspects had allegedly participated in mob violence during the recent Imbalu cultural activities, in which several people were reportedly attacked, beaten and injured.
The suspects had reportedly gone into hiding following the incidents, according to police.
Police also said other suspects had been making some areas difficult for residents to access, allegedly posing a security threat to members of the public.
During the operation, police recovered several exhibits, including cannabis, suspected stolen property such as television sets, intoxicating substances and items allegedly linked to cases of malicious damage.
Taitika said the suspects had been charged accordingly and would undergo screening as police conduct further investigations into their alleged involvement in criminal activities.
The operation is part of efforts by police to disrupt criminal gangs and improve security in Mbale City and the wider Elgon region.
