Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Kinteh has expressed grave concerns over a recent wave of armed robberies across the country, which he described as a “well-calculated and alarming escalation.” Speaking during a prime-time news segment on Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), IGP Kinteh outlined the series of incidents that have sent shockwaves throughout the nation.
In his statement, Kinteh revealed that five armed men attacked a police deployment at the GNPC station in Farafenni. The assailants, reportedly masked and armed, crossed the border between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., raising significant concerns about border security.
The crime spree continued on Wednesday afternoon, when armed robbers executed a brazen heist at Access Bank during peak banking hours. Armed with pistols, the suspects stormed the bank and fled with over 1 million dalasis within three minutes. Witnesses reported that the perpetrators fled the scene in a Benz V-Boot vehicle, leaving customers and staff shaken.
Hours later, another armed robbery occurred at a Western Union bureau in Kunkujang Badjie Estate. Three men, one wielding a pistol, raided the establishment, tied up employees, and escaped with D77,275.
IGP Kinteh emphasized that the assailants’ use of masks, caps, and dark glasses underscored the level of planning involved. “It was a well-calculated move,” he stated. “They knew the security response time would be delayed due to the absence of nearby deployments, particularly in areas like Kunkujang Badjie Estate.”
The surge in armed robberies has put financial institutions and residents on edge, prompting the Gambia Police Force (GPF) to launch an immediate investigation into the incidents. Kinteh called on the public to assist the police by providing any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“This is a cause of concern not only for the Greater Banjul Area but also for regions across the country,” Kinteh remarked. “These heinous acts threaten the safety of our communities and undermine public confidence in our ability to protect lives and property.”
He acknowledged that such incidents have become increasingly common over the past year but assured the public that the GPF is committed to addressing the situation. “We are taking decisive steps to ensure that those who perpetrate these crimes are brought to justice,” Kinteh affirmed.
The recent spate of robberies has sparked debates about the adequacy of police presence and security measures in key areas, including financial hubs and border regions. Residents have urged authorities to increase patrols and improve response times to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, the GPF has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. “This is a time for unity and cooperation,” Kinteh concluded, “because together, we can overcome this challenge and ensure the safety of all Gambians.”
