Stolen Tanker and Kerosene Recovered on Iganga-Jinja Route
In a recent development, the police have managed to recover a stolen semi-trailer tanker that was hijacked on the Iganga-Jinja highway. The incident occurred on October 21, 2023, at 9:00 pm, involving a daring heist by a group of five armed criminals who held the tanker’s driver at gunpoint and made off with 34 tonnes of kerosene, as reported by Police spokesperson Fred Enanga.
The stolen tanker, identified as a blue Mercedes Benz with the registration number UAU 402E, was successfully retrieved. The recovery operation was a collaborative effort involving the Kakira territorial Police, Busoga east Police, Jinja city Police, and the Iganga Police department.
Enanga emphasized that the coordinated response from these law enforcement agencies played a pivotal role in the successful recovery of the stolen tanker, which was en route from Kenya to the Prompet Energies Ltd depot in Kampala. Remarkably, the stolen cargo of kerosene was found entirely intact.
The driver of the stolen tanker, Abdul Nuru, a Somali residing in Kisumu, Kenya, endured a harrowing ordeal during the hijack. He was attacked, forcibly removed from the vehicle, tied up, and placed in the trunk of a Toyota Wish. The identity of this vehicle, including its license plates, remains unknown. Fortunately, Nuru was later found in the Kakira sugar plantations and provided with necessary first aid. His statement was recorded at Iganga Police Station.
Efforts are now underway to identify, track down, and apprehend the criminals responsible for the robbery. This incident serves as a stark reminder that goods in transit, particularly fuel, continue to be prime targets for criminal activity, especially under the cover of darkness. It’s worth noting that the thieves attempted to tamper with the cargo seal but were unsuccessful in their endeavor, according to Enanga.
In response to these events, Enanga emphasized that sister security agencies, under the leadership of the Police, are calling for increased vigilance and the implementation of security measures to safeguard goods in transit. It is evident that criminal elements are undeterred by challenges, making it crucial for all parties involved to remain diligent and proactive.
