Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the Papua New Guinea Police Force and joint security agencies for decisive action against illegal firearms, roadblocks and tribal violence in the Upper Highlands, describing recent operations as a strong signal that law and order is being firmly enforced.
The Prime Minister specifically acknowledged Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Wagambie Jr, who is overseeing Special Police Operations, for leading coordinated joint operations involving the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
“I want to commend ACP Anthony Wagambie Jr and his team for stepping up and combining security forces to remove illegal firearms from our communities, apprehend offenders, and put a stop to tribal fighting,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He also praised Police Commissioner David Manning for entrusting such a critical responsibility to capable and experienced leadership.
“I commend Commissioner Manning for placing this responsibility in the hands of one of our country’s finest police officers. ACP Wagambie has now fully settled into operations in the Highlands and is delivering results,” the Prime Minister said.
Police Operations Update
Prime Minister Marape confirmed that he had been briefed on the progress of ongoing Special Operations through an official report submitted to the Acting Commissioner of Police by the Commander, Upper Highlands Special Operations (UHSOPS), dated 25 December 2025.
According to the report, joint RPNGC–PNGDF operations across Upper Highlands provinces have so far resulted in the following outcomes:
• Five suspects apprehended at illegal roadblocks in Jiwaka, arrested and charged under the Counter-Terrorism Act (CTA). They will face court.
• Eleven suspects apprehended at Rakamanda, Wabag, for blocking the National Highway. They have been detained, processed and will be charged under the CTA for obstruction of vital infrastructure.
• Eighteen suspects apprehended at Wapenamanda for involvement in tribal fighting, arrested and charged under the CTA. They have appeared in court, bail has been refused, and they remain in custody pending their next court appearance in January 2026.
• Eight suspects arrested at various locations under the Firearms Act.
• Thirteen illegal firearms and ammunition recovered and confiscated, including:
• Two M4 high-powered rifles with ammunition
• One SLR high-powered firearm with ammunition
• One .38 revolver with ammunition
• One Mossberg pump-action shotgun with ammunition
• One Mark 4 rifle
• Two modified rifles with ammunition
• Five homemade guns with ammunition
The report further states that there will be zero tolerance for illegal roadblocks along public roads.
“Illegal roadblocks constitute obstruction of vital infrastructure. Anyone involved will be arrested and charged under the Counter-Terrorism Act,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Strong Warning and Assurance
Prime Minister Marape warned that illegal firearms pose a serious threat to lives, livelihoods and national stability.
“Our country cannot be held hostage by illegal guns that destroy communities and undermine our future,” he said.
He issued a strong caution to young people not to be influenced or armed by outsiders seeking to fuel violence for vested interests.
“I caution our youths in particular not to allow yourselves to be manipulated by people outside your village settings who want to turn you into tribal warriors for their own agendas,” he said. The Prime Minister reiterated that firearms are illegal under Papua New Guinea law and reminded the public that Parliament has passed legislation imposing life imprisonment for those found in possession of illegal guns, ammunition or related materials.
“The law is clear — life imprisonment,” he said. “What we are ensuring now is that the entire law and justice chain works properly: arrest, prosecution, conviction and sentencing.”
Prime Minister Marape said the ongoing joint RPNGC–PNGDF operations are aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Upper Highlands, supporting major development projects and upholding the rule of law.
Reflecting on the timing of the successful operations during the Christmas festive period, the Prime Minister said the results brought reassurance and confidence.
“At this Christmas time, it brings warmth and joy to my heart to know that good policemen still abound and that good policemen are still at work across our country,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to restoring peace, strengthening law and order, and protecting communities from violence driven by illegal firearms, stressing that public safety and national unity remain paramount.