Over 100 motorcycles and large quantities of goods belonging to local residents and traders were seized by the Sudanese Military Intelligence in Lagawa Locality in Sudan’s South Kordofan state yesterday.

A credible source told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the confiscation of the citizens’ properties took place after a motorcycle and gun belonging to the Military Intelligence agent called Mohammed El Shahir were burglarized by unknown assailants in neighboring Dilling Locality.

The military then moved to confiscate more than 100 motorcycles and many goods from residents and traders who are currently living in Tima, Nimirshalo and Tolushi areas, according to the same source.

He pointed out that the military intelligence has been banning the locals especially from the western Nuba Mountains areas from buying foodstuffs at the market and usually confiscates any goods taken to those areas.

“Security operatives in the area have been extorting the residents and traders of the western mountains, so residents from those areas have now decided to refrain from purchasing goods in Lagawa town,” explained the local source.

Last year the government took steps to better regulate and license the use of motorcycles, saying they were being used to smuggle goods into rebel-controlled areas. Police Commissioner Major-General Habila disclosed that a special security task force had been set up to tackle the issue.

Photo: A smuggler bringing goods into rebel-held territory, South Kordofan State, October 2012 (Radio Tamazuj)

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