​'Surrender or Be Arrested': PNG's Enga Commander Warns Armed Offenders

Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Steven Harris

Criminals operating in Enga Province have been told they face arrest—not negotiations—as police continue an aggressive crackdown on illegal firearms and organised violence.

Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Steven Harris delivered the warning during ongoing joint security operations involving police, the PNG Defence Force and the elite Kumul 23 unit, saying authorities would remain on the ground until public safety was restored.

Chief Insp Harris dismissed any suggestion that police would negotiate with offenders or settle serious criminal matters through mediation.

"The only conversation with you is about how you want to come into custody," he said.

He reaffirmed that the justice system applied equally to all Papua New Guineans and should not be replaced by customary compensation when lives have been lost.

Chief Insp Harris said the law protected every citizen, regardless of education, wealth or social status, and that his command would ensure communities received justice instead of compensation for violent crimes.

He said the latest weekend patrols were part of a continuing intelligence-driven operation aimed at disrupting criminal activity before it developed into larger security threats.

Security personnel from Kumul 23, the Police Mobile Squad and the PNG Defence Force have been conducting coordinated patrols targeting illegal firearms and individuals linked to violent offences.

Chief Insp Harris said the current operation reflected modern policing methods focused on intelligence gathering, preventing crime and restricting the movement of offenders rather than simply responding after incidents occur.

He warned that those carrying illegal weapons, organising attacks or providing shelter to criminals would be dealt with under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024 and relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.

Upper Highlands Special Operations Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr said Kumul 23 had been created to operate in dangerous environments where standard policing resources were insufficient. He added that officers were well trained, equipped with reliable intelligence and fully aware of the identities of individuals responsible for inciting violence.

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