By Cadet Inspector Alieu Jamanka
Police Commissioner of operations, CP Landing Bojang has enunciated in clear terms that crime and criminality shall not be condoned or entertained in the greater Banjul area in particular and in the country in general.
Speaking to POLISO recently, the Brikama-born seasoned police officer did not mince his words in condemning what he called ‘undesirable elements of our society’, implying about criminals and criminal activities.
“We will not relax, until every Gambian and residents of the Gambia are safe and secured. We will continue cracking down on any suspected hideouts and the law must consume those found wanting, for security is non-comprisable, we will not be complacent but continue to be vigilant and execute our mandate without fear or favour”.
Speaking on the achievements of the KM taskforce recently, CP Bojang revealed that the joint security taskforce has personnel of the GPF, GPS & GFRS, which he said are on constant patrols with the Kanifing municipality, busting crime& preventing it as well.
“The achievements registered are numerous, as I talk to you now, the KM taskforce has succeeded in raiding and nabbing suspected criminals and their dens as well. Many have been prosecuted and others convicted to various sentences, whilst we continue our unrelenting patrols.
“Some of the remarkable achievements by the KM taskforce, include the arrest in Tallinding, of the suspected murderer of a lady in Kerr Serign, the arrest in Tanji of a Senegalese man, who was about to leave the country, after being accused of causing the death of his roommate in Manjai Kunda, the arrest of a suspected gang of robbers in Latri Kunda Erinjang and the arrest of another suspected murderer at Manjai. Furthermore, we have been successful tracking down and arresting the suspected murderer of Fatou Loum, the salon owner in Kololi”.
The police operations boss finally called on the public to volunteer more useful information to the Police, so as to make the new Gambia a crime-free nation
Overview of GPF operations – 2017 under review
The primary functions of the police are protection of life and property, maintenance of law and order, prevention and detection of crime and prosecution of offenders. The Gambia Police Force carries out these functions by ensuring its presence in the length and breadth of the country. Its main headquarters is in Banjul where the IGP and Senior Management oversee the overall administration of the force.
GPF has seven administrative regions headed by Police Commissioners; the regions are further divided into 11 divisions headed by Assistant Commissioners who supervise operational activities of police stations and posts headed by Station Officers (SO). GPF has 59 police stations and 49 police posts throughout the country. To make a review GPF operations of 2017, POLISO spoke to regional commissioners and quizzed on the security situation of their Area of Responsibility (AOR), most prevalent crimes, their take on the year under review, their partnership with other sister services and communities and so on.
Upper River Region (URR)
Upper River Region consists of seven local administrative district and fourteen wards, with three hundred and sixty towns and villages with Basse being the regional and administrative town. It is the center for all major trade and a route for Trans Gambia trade.
Despite the long distances and the bad road conditions and other constraints, the police work tirelessly to answer to every call from the natives. Policing activities also include sensitization programs on the radio. The police were able to establish a partnership with all sister forces which enables a robust sharing of information and with joint security task force, a partner contact check list accessible to all. The police work closely with government institutions, private sector, Community base organizations and village heads. These activities and partnerships have immensely contributed to the success of criminal justice administration in the region creating a cordial and harmonious atmosphere where domestic matters have drastically decreased.
Among the numerous cases reported in 2017, domestic disputes were most prevalent but they were mostly settled amicably by officers then followed by theft and a few sexual offences. One major incident of significant security concern in 2017 occurred at Sando Darsilameh. The incident was a case of attempted arm robbery and Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm involving one victim. Although the victim survived but sustaining a few injuries, four life rounds and six empty cases of ammunition and suspected AK47 rifle rounds were found at the scene.
2017 has been a challenging year yet generally calm and peaceful. With continuous hard work and dedication, the police will continue to protect and serve the people. We also urge the general public to report any suspicious activity or give information on any activity that might disrupt the peace.
(Next week we will bring a 2017 review of Banjul Division)
