Police in Oyam District have recovered dozens of motorcycle number plates and tools believed to be used in an organized motorcycle theft and dismantling racket.
The discovery follows an intelligence-led operation conducted on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at a suspected dismantling site in Minakulu Sub-county.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema, the operation was initiated after a tip-off from a concerned resident who reported suspicious activity at the home of Calvine Ayeni, located in Ajali Opoo Village, Adel Parish, Minakulu.
"A thorough search was conducted within Ayeni's premises and the surrounding area, in the presence of the LC1 chairperson and neighbours. The operation led to the recovery of about 40 motorcycle number plates buried in a banana plantation. We also recovered a box containing spanners and other tools used for dismantling and breaking motorcycles," Okema said.
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In addition to the dismantling tools, police seized three bundles of dried opium and other materials believed to be linked to criminal activity.
Despite the breakthrough, the suspects fled before officers arrived. Police say several of the individuals involved are already known to authorities, and efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.
Local residents confirmed that the area has become a hotspot for illicit operations involving stolen motorcycles.
Richard Ojok Ojaga, a resident, reported that stolen motorcycles are routinely brought to the village, stripped, and sold cheaply as spare parts.
"Last week, a young man was arrested and taken to Oyam CPS over motorcycle theft. His colleagues were dispersed by police as they dismantled motorcycles into spare parts. They always sell these parts cheaply to garages here," Ojaga said.
This incident adds to a series of recent operations targeting motorcycle theft in the region. In August 2022, police recovered nine stolen motorcycles from the Acholi and Lango sub-regions, arresting one suspect in connection with the crimes.
Police have urged the community to remain vigilant and continue working closely with security forces.
"We encourage community members to work closely with us to ensure these criminals are captured and brought to justice," Okema said.
The recovered exhibits have been secured as investigations continue.
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