Authorities in South Sudan’s Tonj State say about 700 arms have been collected from civilians in an on-going disarmament exercise.

William Wol, the state information minister told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the arms were collected since the beginning of the month in Tonj South County.

He said a joint security force mandated by the state government is carrying out the disarmament exercise in Tonj South and Tonj East counties aimed at reducing cattle raids and restoring peace in the area.

The official warned those resisting disarmament saying the security forces have been given the go-ahead to use force. 

"The disarmament process is currently peaceful but in case of any resistance, the force can use force following their mandate," Wol said.