Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Two widely circulated videos showing a man dressed in the uniform of The Gambia Police Force’s Intervention Unit (PIU) being arrested by fellow officers have ignited intense public debate about alleged police misconduct, low wages, and recruitment standards within the force.
The first video, filmed by bystanders and shared across multiple social media platforms, shows two police officers in the regular blue-shirt uniform forcefully pulling a man in PIU combat uniform from a building as onlookers watch in shock.
As the officers escort him onto the street, a third officer in a blue uniform joins them. A growing crowd follows, with several people heard speaking in Mandinka, saying: “This para is being arrested by his friends for theft,” using the common nickname for PIU officers.
A second viral video appears to capture the continuation of the incident in Brikama, where a police vehicle is parked by the roadside.
Several PIU officers arrive at the scene, take custody of the man from the regular police officers, and place him inside the vehicle. The crowd, still gathered, can again be heard alleging that the PIU officer was arrested for theft.
Public Reactions: Low Pay, Recruitment Concerns, and Sarcasm
While the police have not issued any statement clarifying the circumstances of the arrest or identifying the individuals involved, the video’s comment sections have become a forum for heated discussions.
Some commenters expressed shock and sympathy, questioning what might push a uniformed officer to engage in theft. Others pointed to chronic low salaries in the public service, suggesting economic hardship could be a contributing factor.
Self-described former officers or individuals familiar with police operations criticized the force’s recruitment and vetting processes, arguing that inadequate screening allows unsuitable candidates to join the ranks.
A number of commenters took a more sarcastic tone, noting that unlike many civilian suspects who are often seen being manhandled or beaten during arrests, the PIU officer appeared to be handled with relative restraint. “Why wasn’t he beaten the way they treat civilians?” one user wrote, highlighting perceived double standards in police conduct.
Awaiting Police Clarification
As of press time, the Gambia Police Force had not made any public comments regarding the incident, the allegations of theft, or the identity of the officer in the videos.
The lack of an official response has fuelled further speculation, with many calling on the police to provide clarity and ensure transparency.
The incident has once again thrown a spotlight on public trust in law enforcement and the ongoing calls for reforms within the Gambia Police Force.
