Gunfight in Nabire: Alleged Headquarters of Fugitive Dulla Aibon Kogoya Seized by Authorities
A firefight erupted in Nabire, Papua on Sunday night, 1 March 2026, involving joint TNI-Polri forces and members of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM).
The operation resulted in the seizure of a suspected headquarters believed to be the hiding place of fugitive Dulla Aibon Kogoya, who claims to be Commander of Kodap III D.
The operation was carried out by Satgas Habema, Satgas Rajawali, and Satgas Operasi Damai Cartenz-2026 following intelligence received regarding the location of the armed group.
As the team approached the site, direct resistance occurred. Gunfire was unavoidable. After the firefight, the group fled, abandoning their headquarters.
Authorities confiscated 561 rounds of ammunition of various calibres for long and short-barrelled weapons from the location. Additionally, 10 magazines were secured, including those for SS1 and AK-101 firearms.
Beyond weaponry, officers also secured 12 mobile phones, five handheld radios (HT), and 79.9 million rupiah in cash.
More notably, two mobile phones allegedly connected to previous violent incidents were recovered. One unit is believed to belong to a Brimob Battalion C member who died in an attack last year. The other is suspected to belong to a civilian employee or security officer from an incident involving the burning of a PT Kristalin security post in Nabire several weeks ago.
Brigadier Yusuf Sutejo, Head of the Communications Unit of Operasi Damai Cartenz-2026, emphasised that the operation was part of strict law enforcement action against the armed group.
“TNI-Polri will not remain silent. We will continue to pursue and enforce the law against members of the armed criminal group until they are held accountable under applicable law,” he stated on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
A similar statement was made by Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, Head of Operasi Damai Cartenz-2026. He assured that authorities would take firm action against any attempt to disrupt security stability.
“Security forces will take firm action against anyone attempting to create chaos and disrupt security stability. Law enforcement is solely intended to protect the public and maintain order,” he said.
To date, authorities continue to conduct sweeps around the location and pursue fleeing group members. Law enforcement operations are said to continue to be intensified to maintain security stability in Papua.