Nine chiefs have been arrested in South Sudan's Lakes state after being accused of inciting violence and failing to control armed militia in their respective communities.

State Security Advisor Marial Amoum Malek said the local chiefs were arrested because they were not providing authorities with information about crimes committed.

“They are accused by some of their colleagues that they were inciting violence somewhere and whether it is true or false, they had to be put somewhere," Malek told Radio Miraya. "In administration, if you fail to perform your duties you can be suspended, investigated, jailed, or punished for any mistake that you have done.”

The advisor said a committee is being formed to investigate the chiefs.

"The right thing to do is to form a committee. A committee is being formed and they are now under investigation and based on the recommendations, we will see what we will do."