The confirmation of mass arrest of over 50 suspected armed robbers clearly indicates Gambian police’s resolve to get to the bottom of crime in a country in transition. The question becomes whether the mass arrest of suspected armed robbers who include nationals from the sub-regional countries will solve the mystery around crimes in the Gambia. The suspects belong to armed robbery syndicate within the Greater Banjul Area where crimes have been reported. Banjul police have confirmed that the suspects are in custody. It was not clear whether they were arrested in separate locations.
The massive arrest – biggest of its kind since Yahya Jammeh was exiled – comes on the heels of reported rampant armed robbery cases in the country, particularly in the Kanifing Municipality where some shops have been robbed.
The suspects, whose pictures are attached to this piece, look young, energetic and able-bodied. They are reported to include Senegalese, Ivorians and Conakry Guineans.
Meanwhile, the mass arrest doesn’t mean the police are celebrating a victory, for there will not be any victory until they break and dismantle the armed robbery and banditry syndicate in the country. The Interior Ebrima Mballow has earlier urged Gambians to contain crimes through vigilance and timely reporting of crimes. Minister Mballow thought the involvement of communities will help arrest the situation.
Photos Credit: Journalist Mafugi Ceesay
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