What You Need to Know
The Congolese government has initiated a large-scale security operation in Kinshasa to combat rising crime rates, particularly during year-end celebrations. Named “Ndobo,” the operation has resulted in the arrest of 241 individuals and aims to restore public order by targeting urban criminal gangs, especially those known as “Coluna.”
Africa. A large-scale security operation against the “Coluna” gangs has been announced in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The operation aims to combat the deteriorating security situation in the cities, particularly during the year-end celebrations, which typically see a rise in crime and violence.
According to official data from the Congolese Ministry of the Interior, the operation resulted in the arrest of 241 individuals in Kinshasa from December 23 to December 31, 2025.
The operation, named “Ndobo,” is part of a security plan aimed at restoring public order and addressing the criminal gangs active in urban neighborhoods.
The security campaign covered six municipalities within the capital, with the highest number of arrests recorded in the Masina municipality, which is among the areas most affected by insecurity.
Authorities have intensified their field presence in several sensitive neighborhoods, coinciding with an increase in complaints from residents regarding thefts and assaults.
Earlier in December, the Congolese Minister of the Interior urged the Kinshasa police to double their security efforts, emphasizing the need to confront the challenges associated with insecurity, which peaks during festive occasions and year-end celebrations.
It is worth noting that the “Ndobo” operation, meaning “hook” in the local Lingala language, is not a new initiative, having first launched in late 2024 in Kinshasa before expanding to other cities, including Lubumbashi, Matadi, and King.
These operations aim to pursue highway robbers within cities, with a particular focus on gangs locally known as “Coluna,” which are accused of involvement in organized violence and theft.
Since the implementation of these operations, authorities have reported the arrest of thousands of individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities. Many have appeared before mobile courts established specifically to address these cases, with some receiving judicial sentences described in several instances as severe, including death sentences. However, authorities have confirmed that no executions have been carried out to date.
These measures come as part of the Congolese government’s efforts to enhance internal security and reassure the population amid increasing security challenges facing major cities in the country.
The security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in urban areas like Kinshasa, has been a growing concern for the government. Rising crime rates, especially during festive periods, have prompted authorities to take action. Previous operations, such as “Ndobo,” have been implemented to address these challenges, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and restore order in the face of increasing violence and criminal activity.
