SSSPF soldier Yay Lual Thuch went missing last month/September 2023 - Courtesy

Police in Upper Nile State have arrested an army officer whose alleged disappearance caused tension in Malakal town and detention the state Criminal Investigation Director last month.

According to State Police Commissioner General Chol Atem, SSSPF soldier Yay Lual Thuch went missing last week after he reportedly disagreed with Criminal Investigation Director Nyok Bol Ajeing.

Lual Thuch’s reported disappearance caused tension between his colleagues and the CID director Ajeing, leading to the latter’s arrest two weeks ago.

But early this week, Police official Major General Chol Atem said missing Lual Thuch was found on Monday in Bor town of Jonglei State where he was arrested.

He was brought to Juba on the same day and repatriated to Malakal of Upper Nile State on the following day.

“This person since his disappearance and people have been looking for him the committee was formed for the matter and they were investigating the case, up to yesterday [Tuesday, October 3] when he was surrounded in Bor and CID reported the matter to us here,” Police Commissioner Atem said.

“The investigation committee that was formed by the state government has given a directive to be handed over to the army in Bor and the army to transport him to Juba, all this arrangement has been made, and as I spoke to you now he is in Juba airport on his way to Malakal,” he said.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Major General Chol Atem calls on the citizens in Malakal to stay away from rumours and allow the law to take its course.

“I want to say this when such a case happens the accusations imaginations rumours, and mixing things with politics should be avoided, the case or the problem should remain in its nature,” Atem said.