500 arrested in Khartoum for impersonating security forces

February 1, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Police in Khartoum arrested 500 people for impersonating members of the security forces and shut down 40 illegal offices following the full resumption of operations across the capital’s criminal stations, a spokesperson said on Sunday.

The crackdown targeted offices used by individuals posing as official personnel, including 18 sites in Khartoum, 12 in East Nile, and 10 in Omdurman. The move follows the army’s recovery of Khartoum state in May 2025, after many areas had been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for much of the 33-month conflict.

Brigadier General Fath al-Rahman Mohamed al-Tom told Sudan Tribune that the arrests were carried out between March 2025 and February 2026. He said the campaign is part of a broader effort to assert state authority, collect illegal weapons, and dismantle irregular groups to curb lawlessness.

Security committees have conducted 44 operations across various districts as part of a comprehensive plan to seize weapons. Al-Tom emphasized that these joint security campaigns are ongoing and cover all localities within the state to address security lapses caused by gangs terrorizing residents.

Data from the police electronic reporting platform shows a total of 122,507 reports filed by citizens. This includes 89,621 reports of looted vehicles, 32,305 property crimes, 475 missing persons, and 106 cases of physical assault. Al-Tom noted that all cases are being processed through criminal departments and specialized judicial committees.

The police have implemented a coordination plan with other security agencies to protect government institutions and maintain a 24-hour presence at 103 criminal stations. Increased patrols and checkpoints have been established at city entrances, bridges, and major roads.

Al-Tom said criminal monitoring indicates a significant decline in crime rates due to increased police presence and public cooperation.

The security measures align with government efforts to rebuild infrastructure and with the cabinet’s return to work in the capital. Khartoum has seen a steady daily return of displaced residents and a resurgence of commercial activity since the military regained control.