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Police authorities in several states have beefed up security with deployment and patrolling ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

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

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

“As for the festive season, there is enough preparations. We will be deploying 167 police personnel and other security organs to ensure that the festive season is done in safe and secure environment,” Enoka said.

General Enoka further assured the state and those visiting of peaceful holidays.

“We want to assure the people of Eastern Equatoria State and those visiting that the security will be proper and there will be no insecurity in the state. Forces will be deployed inside the town from the entry points and venues of celebration and some forces will be doing patrols on the high ways”.

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

General Otto stated that security officers and organized forces will be in churches, markets and lodges.

“We did a Christmas security plan with all the organized forces in Western Equatoria. We deployed security in churches and every corner in Western Equatoria and particularly Yambio market and all lodges, we deployed organized forces there.”

Meanwhile, Upper Nile State Police Commissioner, Major General Chol Atem said 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.

“Tomorrow (Monday), we are going to hold a meeting to prepare. We will join all the security forces and we will decide what will be done, locations and budget needed.”