Ousman Sonko, Secretary of State for the Interior has revealed that the major efforts the Gambia Police Force is doing, is to curb the menace of armed robbers from the neighbouring countries who are said to have moved from the Upper River Region to the Central River Region North and Lower River Region South.

Responding to a question from Hon Abdoulie Bojang, deputy Speaker and nominated member of the National Assembly on Tuesday, SoS Sonko said that the police in curbing the menace, has deployed the Police Intervention Unit, comprising a full platoon in Laminkoto and the unit has intensified patrols along the border in that part of the region, coupled with security awareness campaign in border villages. He then stated that the menace cannot be treated by the police alone, noting that public support and cooperation is highly valuable. He added that his Department of State is doing everything possible to provide all Police Stations and PIU with new vehicles.

On his department’s plans to put in place a mechanism to secure the lives and properties of people living in the border villages, SoS Sonko said the police have deployed the Police Intervention Unit Officers  in all the regions so that they can be patrolling the border villages.

He, however, quickly noted that, the police also needs the cooperation of the people in the border villages. “They must be vigilant and be reporting all cases and suspects to the nearest police station or post. A release was made on the issue of armed robbery and people were warned not to keep a lot of money with them, but to save them at the banks,” he said.
On the provision of a Police Post for Nianija, SoS Sonko, said as of now, Nianija is covered by Njaw Police. He revealed that plans are underway to put up a station in Nianija district.

Concerning plans to clear scrap vehicles on the streets that serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes, thus encouraging malaria, SoS Sonko noted that the police have put up measures to clear up scrap vehicles on the streets by making a press release for mechanics to effectively  remove scraps and cars within their areas or on the streets. He added that the police are presently registering all car park owners and will soon start bringing them to court.

Regarding measures to tackle problems arising from programmes like passing-out ceremonies, carnivals organised by school children, resulting in the obstruction of traffic and public disorder, SoS Sonko stated that, this problem cannot be solved by the Police alone. “The parents and the teachers are all stakeholders,” he concluded.