Commissioner of Police David Manning has commended proactive cooperation between West New Britain provincial police command and local authorities to improve law and order outcomes across West New Britain.

The Commissioner's comments followed a declaration of a Fighting Zone in Kimbe by the West New Britain Provincial Peace and Good Order Committee. The declaration is to clarify that communities will not tolerate violent offences by youth, and that community safety is the priority of Police and communities.

Police are supporting the declaration with measured, proactive operations in response to armed violence in recent weeks.

"The law provides tools to prevent violent fighting and ensure that communities can live in peace and harmony. The declaration of a fighting zone is one such tool." Commissioner Manning said.

"The West New Britain provincial commands, support by national specialist policing resources, are working to bring this lawlessness to an end through a measured response that puts the safety of residents first."

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Regional Operations), Samson Kua, confirmed that police operations were undertaken early Thursday morning, to apprehend offenders who had discharged firearms at police.

"At dawn this morning, police raided houses in search of suspects," Deputy Commissioner Kua said.

"During the operation, firearms were discharged at Police and one offender was injured. Operations are continuing to locate and apprehend the suspects.”

“Additional raids will be conducted, as we locate and arrest those responsible for violent offences.”

Manning added that the Police are focused on preventing further armed violence and protecting residents, with any use of force guided by the threat faced and the safety of people in the area.

Commissioner Manning said community leaders had responded positively to police engagement and wanted peace to be restored.

"The willingness of community members to help secure the surrender of weapons and wanted persons provides a basis for cooperation, with follow-through now essential to improving safety.”

"Police have been explaining the Fighting Zone declaration to communities and discussing with their leaders how they can help prevent further violence.”

Those discussions focus on practical steps in helping to bring young men under control, securing the surrender of weapons and cooperating with police in the surrender of wanted persons and other suspects.

"The National Gun Amnesty provides an opportunity to surrender guns. Communities have indicated their willingness to assist, and we now look to them to put those commitments into action.”

"Measured police operations, supported by provincial authorities and active community cooperation, are how we work together to restore peace and build lasting safety."