A public announcement has been made: Kumul‑23, Papua New Guinea’s new elite police unit, is now fully operational and being deployed across all provinces. This unit operates under powers granted by the newly passed Terrorism Act, and their orders are clear — “shoot to kill.” Their actions, including the use of deadly force, will not be processed through the normal court system, as these are now officially sanctioned by the State.
Kumul‑23 operates independently from the usual Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and has a special legal and tactical mandate.
🚨 What is Kumul‑23?
Kumul‑23 is a specialist tactical unit formed from elite members within the RPNGC’s Special Services Division. It is led by Police Commissioner David Manning and backed by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso. This unit was created in response to escalating violence in the country and has received high-level training through collaboration with international partners.
💪 Training & Capabilities
Members of Kumul‑23 have undergone intense physical and tactical training, including 20 km endurance marches, advanced weapons handling, night operations, drone usage, intelligence gathering, and rapid response techniques.
They are trained to deal with violent threats swiftly and effectively, using internationally recognized counter-terrorism standards. Selection into the unit involves strict physical and psychological screening to ensure only the most capable officers are deployed.
🏛️ Legal Powers Under the Terrorism Act
The recently passed Terrorism Act gives Kumul‑23 extraordinary powers, including:
- The authority to use deadly force upon confirming a terrorist threat, without needing to process the suspects through the regular judicial system.
- Independence from the courts — their orders are state-sanctioned and legally separate from traditional policing processes.
🌍 Why Was Kumul‑23 Formed?
Papua New Guinea has seen a sharp rise in tribal violence, organised crime, kidnappings, and even forms of domestic terrorism — particularly in the Highlands region. One of the key turning points was the tragic massacre in Enga Province in February 2024, where many civilians were killed.
In response, the government initiated Kumul‑23 to provide a fast and effective security response capable of restoring order where regular policing has failed.
🌐 Government and International Support
The PNG government, especially the Deputy Prime Minister, has expressed full support for the unit, stating satisfaction with their tactical readiness and intelligence capabilities.
Training and preparation have also been supported by international security experts, including former special forces personnel, to ensure the highest standards in law enforcement practices.
⚠️ What This Means for Citizens
- Increased security presence: Expect to see Kumul‑23 in areas considered high risk, such as parts of the Highlands.
- Lethal action on sight: Armed individuals identified as terrorists or violent offenders can be shot without arrest or trial.
- Reduced civil liberties: The unit’s powers mean regular legal processes may not apply in active deployment zones.
- Public safety notices: Citizens are being informed in advance to prepare for the presence of heavily armed tactical officers.
✍️ Final Message
These are extraordinary measures taken in extraordinary times. Kumul‑23 is not a regular police unit — it is a rapid response force designed to eliminate serious threats swiftly.
Please stay informed, remain calm, and cooperate with authorities during their operations. The primary goal of this initiative is to restore peace and protect innocent lives — but citizens are urged to be cautious and stay out of conflict zones whenever possible.
Be alert. Be aware. And stay safe.
One Response
I strongly support the move made by the current government to initiate the Kumul 23 squared.
PNG is becoming and terrorist and criminal hub… And they need to be wed out…. Tumbs up Kumul 23