The Crime Intelligence and CMI task teams, in collaboration with police in Bukedi South and Butaleja, carried out an intelligence-led operation on February 7th, rescuing 59 victims who were allegedly recruited into an ADF domestic cell and radicalized.
Nine suspects in total, including two women, were detained; all of them had strong ties to the ADF suspects that attacked Busiika and other police stations.
According to the Uganda Police, the ADF has regularly orchestrated attacks against Uganda with the primary goal of causing fear and panic among the populace. As a result, security personnel have been forced to increase their vigilance and intelligence gathering to stop the activities of these rebel remnants.
“As we have consistently stated, the attacks and hostilities against Ugandans are being carried out by the ADF, a well-known adversary whose goal is to sow fear and terror among the populace. In order to prevent youngsters from being exposed to ideological ideas and beliefs, we have been keeping an eye on all areas of houses and places of worship that serve as domains for recruiting and collection centers,” Police Spokesperson SP Enanga stated.
The police issued a warning on their website, particularly in regards to children because they are the major demographic for recruiting. These radical operatives recruit people using a variety of methods, including kidnapping, force, and trafficking. Others, however, may employ more persuasive strategies, such as providing food, cash, and various promises of a better life to the gullible susceptible communities.
’’We want the public to be aware that violent extremist organizations and terrorists frequently utilize horrific, forced child recruitment tactics. Children may be sold to traffickers, kidnapped, threatened, or persuaded through force,” a police statement read.
The police website states that street children, unaccompanied minors, and poor children are especially susceptible to forced recruiting tactics.
The authorities further state that these extremist organizations emphasize “victimhood,” utilizing images of the “crimes of the enemy” in an effort to incite retaliation-seeking emotions such as indignation and empathy toward the injured or deceased.
According to police, the organizations are also promoted on specific websites, and frequently, numerous sites in various languages feature various messages that are suited to certain populations. Social media platforms, such as email, chat rooms, e-groups, message boards, video recordings, and applications, are particularly well-liked hiring instruments that can also support customized techniques.
The nine suspects’ detention brings the total number of ADF suspects detained since January 4th to 43.
