Police operations are continuing in Kimbe following the declaration of a Fighting Zone by the West New Britain Provincial Peace and Good Order Committee, as authorities intensify efforts to apprehend armed offenders and restore community safety after recent violent attacks.
Commissioner of Police David Manning in a statement last Thursday has commended proactive cooperation between the West New Britain Provincial Police Command and local authorities to improve law and order across the province.
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The Fighting Zone declaration makes clear that communities will not tolerate violent offences by youths and that protecting residents is the priority of police and communities.
Police are supporting the declaration through measured and proactive operations in response to armed violence reported in recent weeks.
“The law provides tools to prevent violent fighting and ensure that communities can live in peace and harmony. The declaration of a Fighting Zone is one such tool,” Commissioner Manning said.
“The West New Britain provincial commands, supported by national specialist policing resources, are working to bring this lawlessness to an end through a measured response that puts the safety of residents first.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Regional Operations) Samson Kua confirmed that police conducted operations last Thursday morning to apprehend suspects who had discharged firearms at police.
“At dawn this morning, police raided houses in search of suspects,” Deputy Commissioner Kua said.
“During the operation, firearms were discharged at police and one offender was injured. Operations are continuing to locate and apprehend the suspects.
Additional raids will be conducted as we locate and arrest those responsible for violent offences.
“Police are focused on preventing further armed violence and protecting residents, with any use of force guided by the threat faced and the safety of people in the area.”
Commissioner Manning said community leaders had responded positively to police engagement and expressed their willingness to help restore peace.
“The willingness of community members to help secure the surrender of weapons and wanted persons provides a basis for cooperation, with follow-through now essential to improving safety.
“Police have been explaining the Fighting Zone declaration to communities and discussing with their leaders how they can help prevent further violence.
“Those discussions focus on practical steps: helping bring young men under control, securing the surrender of weapons and cooperating with police in the surrender of wanted persons and other suspects.
“The National Gun Amnesty provides an opportunity to surrender guns. Communities have indicated their willingness to assist, and we now look to them to put those commitments into action.
“Measured police operations, supported by provincial authorities and active community cooperation, are how we work together to restore peace and build lasting safety.”