PNG CS Firearms Drama Leaves 20 Officers in Police Custody

 Police investigations are continuing after 20 Papua New Guinea Correctional Service officers were detained over an incident involving firearms and alleged threats against members of the public in the National Capital District.

Authorities say the officers were arrested following a night of unrest that began at Kerepia Barracks in Bomana and later extended into Port Moresby.

NCD and Central Province Police Commander Benjamin Turi confirmed the arrests and said the officers remain in custody while detectives investigate the matter.

Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo

Initial reports suggested the disturbance was connected to claims of an unofficial appointment of a new Correctional Service Commissioner.

However, Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo dismissed those reports during a news conference, stating that the incident was unrelated to any appointment within the service.

Mr Nepo said the situation was triggered by efforts to recover two firearms allegedly stolen by four rogue officers.

He said officers involved in the confrontation were stopped by police at Rainbow, disarmed and escorted to Waigani Police Station for questioning.

Images and videos shared on social media showed uniformed officers lying on the ground while armed police secured the area.

Mr Nepo expressed concern that four officers suspected of involvement have not yet been located and that two firearms are still outstanding.

Police have denied bail to the 20 detained officers as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.