Sudanese Army tanks and military equipment that crossed into South Sudan on Monday, December 8, 2025, after their forces retreated from the Heglig area. (Credit: Courtesy of SSPDF)

PANAKUACH, Unity State (Eye Radio) — The South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) confirmed that Sudanese soldiers have handed over their weapons to the SSPDF after retreating from the oil-rich Heglig area along the border.

The troops were reportedly withdrawn from Heglig oil field by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Lieutenant General Johnson Olony, the SSPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Forces for Mobilisation and Disarmament, announced at Panakuach on Monday, December 8, that the Sudanese army surrendered their weapons to the SSPDF.

“These forces are now with us here in Panakuach, and we have received all the supplies that were in their possession, including military equipment,” Gen. Olony confirmed.

The Sudanese troops are currently being held in South Sudan and are awaiting further instructions from their respective governments, led by Sudan’s General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir.

Gen. Olony stressed that the SSPDF is maintaining strict neutrality in the conflict. He also revealed the force’s plan to stabilize the region.

“We have taken control of all the areas and will go to Heglig to take control of the area. We are awaiting instructions from President Salva Kiir and Commander Burhan.”

A video obtained by Eye Radio shows the surrendered Sudanese Army arsenal, which, though of an unknown total quantity, included T-72 main battle tanks, multiple armored personnel carriers (APCs), ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, artillery pieces, 82mm rocket launchers, RPG rocket launchers, hundreds of assorted assault rifles (such as AK-47s), PK machine guns, military vehicles, and large quantities of ammunition.