Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The West Coast Police Regional Command, in a coordinated effort to enhance security, conducted a joint patrol on Tuesday, September 24, involving several key security agencies. These included the Gambia Police Force (GPF), the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), the State Intelligence Service (SIS), the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG), and Nigerian soldiers from the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG). The combined effort sought to boost security visibility across the West Coast Region.
The patrol, which covered key areas in Kombo South, such as Dasilameh, Dimbaya, Gunjur, Sanyang, Jambanjelly, and other strategic locations, served as both a show of force and a community engagement initiative. Security personnel met with residents and community leaders to address local security concerns, ensuring that communities feel connected to law enforcement.
These interactions also provided an opportunity to share preventive measures against rising crime trends. In addition to engaging with the public, the patrol teams visited various border posts and police stations to reinforce collaboration between different units and to enhance intelligence sharing on ongoing security efforts.
The initiative aims to improve coordination between law enforcement, immigration, and drug enforcement authorities, especially in border areas where cross-border criminal activities can pose significant challenges.
The presence of Nigerian ECOMIG soldiers underscored the international dimension of security operations in The Gambia, where regional cooperation plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability.
Since their deployment in 2017, ECOMIG forces have been instrumental in supporting national security, particularly in sensitive regions like the West Coast, which has seen a mix of urban development and rural isolation, creating unique security challenges.
The public was reminded of the importance of these joint operations in maintaining peace, deterring criminal activities,
and fostering greater trust between communities and security forces. Authorities emphasized that these patrols are not just reactive but also proactive measures designed to ensure that communities remain safe and resilient against threats.
The collaborative nature of the patrol signals a broader strategy to create synergy among security forces, making it easier to respond swiftly to incidents, share intelligence, and provide visible deterrents to potential criminal activity. This increased cooperation also offers a platform for strengthening relations with local communities, whose participation is crucial for long-term peace and security.
In a statement following the patrol, the West Coast Police Regional Command expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting the positive feedback from the public and the strengthened relationships between security agencies. They also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing such patrols to ensure that peace and safety remain top priorities across the region.
As security operations continue, the Police encourages residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by reporting any suspicious activity. The joint patrol serves as a reminder that maintaining security is a collective responsibility, with the active involvement of both the public and law enforcement.
