By Landing Ceesay
The Inspector General of the Gambia Police Force (GPF), Seedy Muctar Touray, announced to journalists that his institution had generated D111 million for the Gambian government in the first half of 2024.
“During the period under review, we have registered tremendous successes in our operations and activities. I would not bore you with the minute details but highlight a few key achievements. Chief amongst these achievements are: We validated the organigram for the National Policing Strategy 2024-2028. Heightened patrols leading to a significant reduction in violent crimes (the robust posture maintained by the GPF led to the reduction of violent crimes)” he said
Highlighting additional achievements, IGP Touray mentioned the distribution of 150 radio sets to enhance communication among officers, renovation of ACU HQ offices, the provision of computers and furniture to improve working conditions, and the procurement of 5 vehicles for operational units.
“We distributed 150 radio sets to facilitate secure and timely communication amongst officers and renovated ACU (Anti-Crime Unit) HQ offices and facilities. We provided computers and furniture to 3 Units to improve their working conditions. We have generated revenue for the Government to the tune of D111,000,000 in the first half of 2024. We provided 5 vehicles to the PIU, Crime Management, and Highway Patrol Unit to enhance their operational effectiveness,” IGP Touray told the media.
IGP Touray delivered these remarks during his first press conference following his appointment as the country’s Inspector General on March 15, 2024.
Highlighting his accomplishments since taking office, IGP Touray disclosed that his administration had allocated 60 motorbikes to the highway patrol unit to bolster road safety, especially along the main highways like Bertil Harding Highway.
According to IGP Touray, the provision of these motorbikes has yielded significant results, leading to a drastic reduction in road traffic accidents.
“Motorbikes are distributed countrywide, with each provincial region receiving 6 bikes. An additional 15 motorcycles will be handed over today by our friends from the German Police Support Team in The Gambia. A community policing caravan is underway in the regions as we speak. The exchanges during such caravans are aimed at raising awareness about sexual and gender-based violence and referral pathways to support SGBV survivors,” IGP Touray revealed.
IGP Touray also outlined his vision and strategies for the Gambia Police Force in the upcoming months and years during his discussion with journalists.
Additionally, he disclosed that early in his tenure, he convened senior managers at both strategic and operational levels within the GPF. He reinstated daily briefings for the senior management team, where they engage in discussions concerning crucial security matters and proposed effective solutions to tackle them.
“We also invited unit and section heads to make presentations on their units’ mandates, staff, achievements, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward. I will hasten to add that not all the challenges highlighted during this presentation series are resolved. The quick wins are addressed as we speak such as training, office equipment, furniture, some vehicles, and criminal investigation tools.
“To ensure career development opportunities for officers are standardized and transparent, we set up a training and doctrine committee (TRADOC) in the first few weeks of my tenure. We are still working on major issues such as infrastructure projects, uniforms, logistics, and related matters. In Shaa Allah, we will be out of the woods,” IGP Touray revealed.
Looking ahead, IGP Touray shared his vision for the GPF, emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
“A vision without a strategy is as good as dead. To ensure the vitality of our vision to make Gambia a safe haven for law-abiding citizens, residents, and visitors alike, the fine men and women of this noble institution have deployed the following strategies: Intelligence-led policing; Robust day and night patrols to prevent the commission of crimes;
“Continuous training of personnel to maintain their effectiveness; Strategic deployment of PIU and ACU personnel across the country to provide armed support to the General Duty police officers and sister services; Providing guards for VIPs and vital installations; Regular sensitization on crime prevention and road safety; and Establishment of the highway patrol unit,” IGP Touray said.