IGP Seedy Muckhtar Touray
By Buba Gagigo
In the wake of three armed robberies within a short period, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muckhtar Touray has assured the Gambian public that national security remains a top priority. Addressing concerns on the recent incidents, including the high-profile attack on Access Bank in Bijilo, IGP Touray emphasized that the country’s safety and stability will not be compromised.
Speaking on the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), the IGP detailed the coordinated nature of the Access Bank heist.”That goes to show that it was a well calculated move. And they also know that the closest deployment of security officers is perhaps Brusubi, and they conducted this operation within a time frame of less than five minutes, and thereafter, jumped in their vehicle and headed to a certain location or direction.” IGP Touray explained.
Reassuring the public, he added: “The security of this country cannot and will never be compromised. The democracy Gambians and non Gambians resident in this country are enjoying is something that everybody can attest to. From the past year since the advent of the new dispensation. We all know the freedom that is being cherished, that is being enjoyed by all and sundry, is something that needs to be jealously guarded.”
Acknowledging the challenges posed by a growing population, IGP Touray remarked that an increase in criminal activities is not unusual for any sovereign nation.
“Seeing it happening in our country now, as earlier mentioned, is something that is of a big concern, because it’s something that is alien. 99 days for the thief and one day for the master. We have already started rekindling, also reinventing the wills, reactivating our intelligence and the response time for criminals and criminal activities in this country is within a short period of time.”
The police chief urged citizens to continue their daily routines without fear, assuring them of heightened security measures.
“Your lives are being protected by the police day and night. The patrols are ongoing. In fact, they are heightened already. We will also ensure that the task force that is out there conducting night patrols is increased so that people or perpetrators of these heinous acts will be apprehended as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding in this difficult time that the nation is faced with, but we can assure you that everyone will be protected. Properties will equally be protected.” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing investigations, IGP Touray disclosed that the Access Bank robbers made away with over D1 million. He also highlighted a separate incident at Kunkujang Badjie Estate, noting that investigators are proceeding cautiously to establish the facts.
“Perhaps they think they are successful. They’ve carried away more than D1 million at the Access bank. The second incident happened at Kunkujang Badjie Estate, we are treating it with caution, because elements that can actually constitute, some of them are missing. We are not saying it was not an arm attack, but we are working and looking into certain issues also, to ensure that the right thing is done,” he stated.