The National Government remains firmly committed to protecting the lives of its citizens, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the sovereignty of the State, says Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr.
In a media statement, Minister Tsiamalili said on 2 January 2026, security forces conducted a carefully planned, intelligence led operation in Tsak Valley, Enga Province, targeting individuals believed to be in possession of illegal, factory-made high-powered firearms that posed a serious threat to public safety and national security.
During the operation, he said, security personnel encountered armed resistance. Two suspects, each armed with M16 assault rifles, were fatally wounded after engaging security forces. One member of the security forces was also shot and wounded and is now recovering after receiving prompt medical treatment.
“The Government regrets the loss of life that occurred. However, the presence and use of military-grade weapons within civilian communities represents a grave and unacceptable risk to peace, safety, and national stability. Such weapons have no place in our society.”
He defended that security personnel acted in accordance with clear rules of engagement and in response to direct and imminent threats to life.
Their actions were measured, lawful, and taken to protect the wider community, he said in a statement yesterday.
Three additional suspects, he said, were apprehended and are now in custody. Investigations are underway to determine how these weapons entered the area and to disrupt the networks supplying illegal firearms.
“I commend the professionalism and courage of our police and defense personnel who operated under extremely dangerous conditions to protect the people of Papua New Guinea.”
“I urge all leaders and commentators to approach matters of national security responsibly. The dissemination of unverified or misleading information risks inflaming tensions and undermining confidence in our national security institutions. Matters of public safety must be approached with care and placed above political considerations. Public safety must always be placed above politics.”
- Operational Summary
Security forces conducted coordinated operations at two locations in Tsak Village during the early hours of 2 January 2026, he said.
The objective was to recover illegal high-powered firearms, apprehend armed suspects, and prevent further threats to public safety, he said.
At the first location, he said, a suspect opened fire on security personnel from inside a residence, resulting in one officer being wounded.
Security forces responded proportionately, and the suspect was fatally wounded, he said.
At the second location, the Minister said another armed suspect was encountered and fatally wounded after posting an immediate threat. Additional illegal firearms were recovered.
Three suspects, he said, were apprehended during the operation and remain in lawful custody. They have been transported to Mendi, where they will face charges relating to illegal weapons possession and other criminal offences, he continued.
During the extraction phase, he said, security personnel encountered deliberate obstruction along exit routes and came under sustained fire from armed individuals positioned on higher ground.
Reinforcements from the Papua New Guinea Defense Force assisted in securing a safe withdrawal, he said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin, movement, and supply networks of the seized weapons, as part of broader national efforts to disrupt the illegal trafficking of firearms, he said.
This operation, he said, underscores the Government’s commitment to restoring peace, strengthening law and order, and ensuring that the safety and security of all Papua New Guineans remain our highest priority.