POLICE operation is underway to recapture 16 remands who escaped from the Wabag Police Station lock-up in the early hours of Wednesday 29th July 2026.
Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Steven Harris confirmed that of the 16 remands, nine were police bail refused awaiting their court appearances.
PPC Harris said their priority now is to recapture the escapees, and to get to the bottom of the incident.
PPC Harris confirmed that a police coordinated recapture operation is underway across the districts in the province. He said the remands or police bail (escapees) refused have not been convicted, they were locked up for good reason and they will be returned to the cells.
“The escapees who ran have limited options to hide, as we know their villages and associates. It is a matter of time and they will face additional charges.
“I call upon the leaders of their tribes and villages to assist in the recapture, as many of those same leaders assisted the RPNGC to arrest these individuals to begin with.
“If the escapees surrender they will likely be served lesser penalties than we go arrest them. Our priority is always the safety and security of the public,” PPC Harris said.
PPC called on the communities of the escapees to turn them over to police before they (police) arrive, and together with the police they will maintain calm. He said surrender is the only lawful path open to them, and it is in their own interest to take it.
PPC Harris said the circumstances surrounding the escape, and a related protest by members of the public are now the subject of internal investigation.
“If there was misconduct by any police officers, they will be dealt with as the law requires.
“An independent investigation was ordered and I have referred the matter directly to the Internal Affairs Division.
“Following the escape, some members of the public entered a restricted area of the Wabag Police Station causing a disturbance. One person was arrested and charged in relation to refusal to leave police premises and obstruction of police duties,” PPC said.
PPC Harris make commitment to the people of Enga, that they will do all in their powers to recapture the escapees. He said without fear or favour they would get to the bottom of who was involved in this incident.