Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has unveiled shocking details of a long-running criminal enterprise led by the notorious suspect Ansumana Ansu Jarju, who has been implicated in a series of high-profile robberies dating back to 2014. Jarju, along with his accomplices, has terrorized businesses and individuals, culminating in the recent brazen attack in Banjul.

A Decade of Criminal Operations

Jarju’s criminal record stretches back to 2014, when he was identified as the mastermind behind the robbery of the Guaranty Trust Bank in Bakau. He was arrested but later absconded after securing bail, vanishing without a trace. He resurfaced years later, engaging in another criminal act on September 4, 2022, when he defrauded a businessman in the Senegambia area, fleeing with a large sum of money meant for workers’ wages.

Intermittently, Jarju would return to The Gambia, commit further crimes, and escape to neighboring countries. His operations intensified when he established a criminal alliance with Ivorian national Lassineh Jabateh while both were incarcerated at the Mile 2 Central Prison. Upon their release, they expanded their network and executed numerous high-profile heists.

A String of Bold Robberies

On June 29, 2021, Jarju and his gang struck again, robbing businesses and escaping with substantial sums. Their operations escalated on January 4, when they broke into a store operated by Mauritanian businessman Ahmed Said Mohammed at Denton Bridge, stealing D400,000. The stolen money was later used to purchase firearms from a neighboring country, arming the gang for more violent robberies.

The Access Bank robbery in Bijilo on January 22 marked one of their most daring acts. CCTV footage captured the criminals—Jarju, Jabateh, Abdoulie Jallow, and Omar Secka—storming the bank and making away with D1.2 million.

Emboldened by their success, the group targeted Al Hella Enterprise on Hagan Street in Banjul, where they executed another heist, stealing D1.2 million. They used part of the stolen money to purchase a BMW, which they used for subsequent operations. Investigators later discovered that while the vehicle was registered, the criminals had removed its number plates before each robbery.

Tracking Down the Criminals

A breakthrough in the investigation came when the gang attempted to deceive law enforcement by misrepresenting their numbers. Through meticulous intelligence gathering and collaboration with the Guinea-Bissau authorities, investigators tracked Jarju to Bissau, leading to his arrest.

Further arrests followed in The Gambia, including Jabateh, Jallow, and the getaway driver, all of whom were confronted with CCTV evidence and subsequently confessed to their crimes. Investigators also retrieved the clothing worn by the suspects during the Access Bank heist, further strengthening the case against them.

The Crackdown on Crime and New Police Directives

The IGP acknowledged the surge in armed robberies and placed recent incidents within the broader context of organized crime, recalling the high-profile attack on the Central Bank of The Gambia. He emphasized that the police force remains committed to minimizing crime and bringing criminals to justice.

In a decisive move to enhance public safety, the IGP announced stringent enforcement of vehicle registration laws, particularly regarding number plates. He stated that beginning immediately, all law enforcement officers must ensure their vehicles display proper number plates. This policy will be extended nationwide to prevent criminals from exploiting unregistered or altered vehicles in their operations.

With the recent arrests and heightened enforcement measures, the police are sending a clear message that crime will not be tolerated. The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to support law enforcement efforts in keeping the nation secure.