By Riak Chol
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has announced that its troops have recaptured Akobo town in Akobo County, Jonglei State, following a two-day military operation against opposition forces.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said government forces “re-liberated” the historic border town of Akobo on 10 March 2026 after clashes with fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army‑In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and members of the Lou Nuer White Army.
Koang said the government troops advanced toward Akobo and encountered opposition fighters in two separate engagements at Duachan and Doathil. According to the statement, both clashes ended with the defeat of the rebel forces.
“The engagements resulted in the neutralisation of more than 50 fighters,” the statement said,
Lul added that seven vehicles belonging to the opposition were captured during the fighting adding that two of the vehicles were reportedly mounted with heavy weapons, including a ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun.
The spokesperson further claimed that opposition fighters fled the area alongside their commanding officers following the clashes.
“With the successful re-liberation of Akobo town, the Chief of Defence Forces requests all UN agencies and both international and indigenous NGOs to resume their normal humanitarian operations,” said Lul.
The army also called on civilians who fled the town during the fighting to return to their homes, assuring residents that Akobo and surrounding areas are now safe.
Akobo, located near the border with Ethiopia, has recently been the centre of heightened tensions and displacement following warnings of an impending government offensive in the area.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Akobo County, James Kueth Makuach, has appealed to the entire population of Akobo County to return to their homes, assuring them that their safety is a priority.
“The initial plan on my table is to speed up the process of humanitarian intervention as it is the paramount method to rescue all our families in dire need of humanitarian assistance,” he said.