DRC - Kinshasa: Over 460 Suspected Urban Gang Members Arrested During Operation Ndobo

Kinshasa, January 1, 2026 - Authorities in Kinshasa reported the arrest of approximately 464 suspected members of urban gangs, locally known as “kulunas”, during end-of-year festivities as part of Operation Ndobo.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior and Security, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo, announced the figures following inspections of several police stations in the capital.

The breakdown of arrests across Kinshasa districts is as follows:

Masina (Tshangu): 242 arrests

Limete: 56 arrests

Kalamu: 51 arrests

Mont-Ngafula: 45 arrests

Gombe (Camp Lufungula): ~40 arrests

Kintambo: 30 arrests

Total: 464 individuals apprehended

Masina district recorded the highest number of arrests, nearly half of the total, highlighting the scale of gang-related activity in the area.

Operation Ndobo, currently active in 10 of the DRC’s 26 provinces, is part of ongoing efforts by the government to combat urban crime, protect citizens, and safeguard property across the country.

Authorities have emphasized that the operation will continue nationwide to maintain security and public order.