03/02/2026
Date 3/2/2026
Press release
Today
Nyirol County Situation Update:
About Pading and Pulturuk Payam
Fighting started on 27/1/2026 and date 30/1/2026
This is to formally submit a situational update regarding the battle that took place in Pading Payam, Nyirol County, for your official record and immediate public release.
Following the Pading Payam battle fought on 30 January 2026, SPLA-IO gallant forces successfully defeated SSPDF forces stationed at Dukiir Headquarters, Pading Payam, Nyirol County. The battle commenced at 11:30 AM and concluded at 03:35 PM.
The SSPDF forces were under the command of Maj. Gen. Tut Reak Lony (SSPDF) and Maj. Gen. Makuei Gatluok Koang (Police Service, Government of South Sudan).
The engagement was politically motivated and initiated by the former Commissioner of Nyirol County, Hon. James Bol Makuei Hoth, who had temporarily relocated the county headquarters from Lankien to Pading Payam.
During the battle, two military helicopter gunships were observed on opposite sides of Pading Lake. One helicopter reportedly landed, allegedly to extract former Commissioner Hon. James Bol Makuei Hoth, while the second helicopter remained airborne, providing cover and attempting to conceal SSPDF rescue operations.
The fighting was intense. Heavy casualties were sustained on the SSPDF side, while SPLA-IO forces maintained effective battlefield control.
Captured Military Equipment
1. Pultruk Battle – 27 January 2026
PKM: 3
RPG: 1
AK-47: 13
Total: 27 weapons
2. Riang Battle – 27 January 2026
PKM: 1
RPG: 1
Total: 2 weapons
3. Riang Village Attack – 29 January 2026 An SSPDF attack on Riang Village resulted in the killing of three civilians, including:
One young man (30 years)
One woman (35 years), leaving behind an infant of three (3) months
One boy (4 years)
The civilians were attacked at their residences at approximately 8:30 PM.
4. Pading Payam Battle – 30 January
2026
PKM: 3
AK-47: 31
Total: 34 weapons
The office of acting chief of general staff SPLA IO GHQs congratulate the forces of 8th infantry division 1st BDE in Lankien nyirol county for the successful offensive against SSPDF and BOL Makuei Hoth former commissioner
Nyirol county live in Pading.
Victory is ours
Viva 1st BDE 8th infantry division freedom fighters
Viva 8th infantry division OPS CDR
Viva 8th infantry division CDR
Viva sector three CDR.
Struggle continue
Stay tuned for more updates
Lt.Col Chuol Puot Dual Diu
SPLA I O Deputy Spokesperson.
