The command of the Upper Highlands Special Operations has moved to clarify reports circulating on social media regarding an alleged incident involving police operations in the Western Highlands and other parts of the Highlands region.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and Commander of Upper Highlands Special Operations Anthony Wagambie Jnr confirmed that initial checks were conducted in consultation with the Western Highlands Provincial Police Command and the Highlands Eastern End divisional command to verify the claims.
ACP Wagambie said early assessments indicate that vehicles allegedly linked to the reported incident in Mt Hagen do not match any official vehicles assigned to the Upper Highlands Special Operations fleet.
He said all operational movements under the command are strictly task-based and closely monitored.
“All vehicle and personnel movements are task-oriented and monitored, and the vehicle descriptions provided do not match any vehicle in our fleet that may have been in Mt Hagen,” he said.
He rejected claims of misconduct, stating that such behavior is not associated with disciplined forces operations.
“Such behaviour is unbecoming, and no one in law enforcement is involved in or condones such acts.”
He also stated that the Western Highlands Provincial Police Command, led by Chief Superintendent John Sagom, has been tasked to investigate the matter thoroughly and identify those responsible.
“The PPC WHP has been asked to have his team investigate this quickly and thoroughly, identify the culprits, and deal with them. We are ready to assist if required.”
ACP Wagambie also noted that intelligence had been received suggesting possible misinformation campaigns targeting special police operations in the Highlands region.
He further stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the incident involves members of the disciplined forces or criminal impersonators.
“Mt Hagen Police are investigating to determine whether members of the disciplined forces were involved, or whether this was the work of criminal impersonators acting with ulterior motives.”
Meanwhile, police in Western Highlands continue to perform effectively under the leadership of Chief Superintendent John Sagom and maintain strong community cooperation.
ACP Wagambie said police will continue to work with the provincial commands to establish facts and ensure those responsible are identified and dealt with under the law.
Investigations are currently ongoing.
