Major-General Elia Costa, the police commissioner in Jonglei State - AMDISS/Juma - Oct. 4, 2022

Jonglei State Police has cautioned the public and members of the organized forces against expressing joy by shooting live bullets in the air during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Police Commissioner Major General Elia Costa said the state has already mobilized about 280 joint forces from the army, wildlife, fire brigade and national security to ensure public safety.

He told Eye Radio on Monday that the forces will be deployed to the churches and entertainment places during the festive season.

“This force will secure the city of Bor, and we have assigned police directors in the provinces to make security plans,” he said.

Meanwhile, he cautioned the public and law enforcement agents against shooting bullets into the air during the festivals.

“I would like to submit a message to the security forces in cooperation with citizens, and I also ask citizens to cooperate with the police by reporting crimes.”

“I would like to present a message to citizens and security forces not to fire firearms into the air during Christmas celebrations. Therefore, we strictly prohibit the firing of bullets as a celebration of Eid, because that causes panic and fear among citizens.”

Several state security officials shared their security plans for Christmas and the New Year celebrations in interviews with Eye Radio on Sunday.

In Eastern Equatoria State, police deployed about 167 officers in the towns, entry points and venues of celebrations.

The state Police Commissioner Major General James Monday said the joint force will also patrol along the highways to provide security to travelers.

In Western Equatoria, the Police Commissioner said security will be deployed in the state’s ten counties from 22nd December to 3rd January 2024.

Meanwhile in Upper Nile State, the State Police is set to hold a meeting with all the organized forces to determine the budget and areas of deployment ahead of the festive season.