President Salva Kiir has sanctioned a further crackdown on South Sudan’s security services culminating in the arrest of senior officer Victor Deng Akeen, the Sudan Post reported on Wednesday.
It follows reports of an abortive coup last month.
According to the online media out let Akeen’s arrest and detention on Monday is the latest in ”a widening political crackdown linked to an alleged coup network associated with former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel”.
Victor Deng Akeen has been the operations chief at the NSS Internal Security Bureau (ISB).
His arrest took place while he was in his hometown of Akon in Gogrial West County of Warrap State.
The news outlet quoting independent sources, said Akeen was later transferred to Juba under heavy security although there has been no information from the regime over his arrest.
According to the Sudan Post, his detention fits into a general pattern of clampdowns, including dismissals which follow reports of an unsuccessful coup against President Kiir.
While others detained have been identified as Achan Agoth, Dominic Juk Chom and Ajiiŋ Deng Ajiin, security sources warned that more arrests could follow.
Bol Mel, named as one of the masterminds of a botched coup, was dismissed from his role last month as rumours swirled about an alleged plot to remove Kiir from the presidency.
