Five suspects were arrested over illegal logging activities in Nyepo County of South Sudan’s Yei River State last week, a government official said.

The state information minister, Moses Mawa told Radio Tamazuj Tuesday that the suspects include two South Sudanese and three Ugandan nationals. He said the suspects are being thoroughly investigated by police.

“These people were arrested because they were involved in illegal logging of our natural forests in greater Kajo-Keji. As I talk, they are under custody and investigations are ongoing,” said Mawa.

He pointed out that the suspects will appear in court.

According to the official, local authorities are now implementing last year’s order, which banned illegal logging activities across the state.

“They will be arraigned in court and we will continue to arrest whoever is involved in illegal logging because the state government issued orders banning illegal logging all over the state,” said Mawa.