Morobe police have arrested and charged six alleged Operation Brukim Tulait (OBT) gang members following a dawn raid at Ngarumutu (Gabsongkeg), Nadzab, yesterday, in a joint operation targeting suspects allegedly linked to recent break, enter and stealing (BE&S) offences in the area.
Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, in a statement this morning said the suspects were charged with unlawful possession or control of a homemade firearm, unlawful possession or control of live rounds of ammunition, possession of offensive weapons, namely sharpened wires for a wire catapult, and unlawful possession or control of dangerous drugs or marijuana.
PPC Siguyaru said the suspects are currently in police custody while court files are being prepared, and they are scheduled to appear before the Lae District Court on Friday, September 4, 2026.
PPC Siguyaru said the operation was conducted yesterday in the early hours at Ngarumutu (Gabsongkeg), Nadzab, following intelligence provided by an informant identifying key persons of interest and their residential locations.
PPC Siguyaru said that during the operation, police recovered several illegal and dangerous items, including two homemade firearms, seven rounds of live ammunition, pocketknives and other offensive weapons, sharpened wire catapult projectiles, and multiple packages of suspected cannabis/marijuana.
PPC Siguyaru confirmed that police initially apprehended 11 OBT gang members, but following careful screening and questioning, five individuals were cleared and released, while six suspects were formally processed and charged. He said one suspect sustained an injury while allegedly attempting to evade arrest and resist police officers but remains in police custody and is also facing charges.
PPC Siguyaru said among the six suspects charged was a suspect, whose name was withheld, identified as a gang leader who has a previous conviction and served 18 months at Buimo Correctional Services for a dangerous drugs offence.
Morobe Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru commended the police officers for their professionalism, courage and commitment in carrying out the operation.
The operation demonstrates the Morobe Provincial Police Command’s continued commitment to targeting criminal groups involved in serious offences and removing illegal firearms, ammunition and dangerous drugs from communities.
“Illegal firearms, ammunition and dangerous drugs pose a serious threat to the safety and security of our communities. Police will continue to act on credible intelligence and conduct targeted operations against individuals and groups involved in criminal activities,” PPC Siguyaru said.
PPC Siguyaru further warned individuals who harbour or assist members of the OBT criminal group that they may face arrest and criminal charges as well.
PPC Siguyaru said the operation was conducted yesterday from 4am to 5am following a tactical briefing at Yalu Bridge at approximately 11pm on Tuesday, September 1, before the operational team moved into the target area. Police cordoned off three targeted residences and conducted search and apprehension operations.
PPC Siguyaru said the operation targeting the OBT group commenced last weekend and would continue through Independence Week as police maintain heightened efforts to disrupt criminal activities and improve community safety.
He said the Morobe Provincial Police Command is also urging members of the public to support police efforts by providing credible information on criminal activities through appropriate police channels.
PPC Siguyaru urged communities to work with police by reporting criminal elements and providing information that could assist police in bringing offenders before the courts to face the law.