A sweeping, intelligence-led security operation has dealt a major blow to a notorious criminal network that has been terrorizing residents of Kiboga Town Council, with 14 suspected gang members arrested and a sophisticated phone theft scheme uncovered.
The operation, carried out on April 11, 2026, brought together police and sister security agencies in a coordinated effort targeting a group known locally as the “Scorpions.”
For months, the gang had been linked to a wave of street crimes, including the snatching of mobile phones, handbags, and other valuables from unsuspecting victims.
Authorities confirmed that among those arrested are 13 adult men and one female juvenile.
During interrogation, suspects reportedly admitted to their involvement in the theft ring and revealed a deeper layer of the operation, tampering with IMEI numbers on stolen phones to conceal their identities before funneling them back onto the market through local dealers.
Following leads obtained from the suspects, security operatives moved swiftly to apprehend two individuals believed to be part of the resale network in Kiboga town.
These arrests are expected to shed further light on the distribution chain of the stolen devices.
Police say investigations are ongoing as they work to dismantle the entire network and bring all those involved to justice. The crackdown has been welcomed by residents, many of whom have lived in fear amid a surge in petty crime attributed to the gang.
Regional Police Spokesperson Lameck Kigozi confirmed the arrests and reiterated the force’s commitment to restoring security in the area, warning that operations against criminal elements will continue unabated
