By: Fatou Krubally
In a tense session before the Special Select Committee investigating the handling of assets identified by the Janneh Commission, Adama Jagne, a soldier at the Kotu State Guard Workshop, recounted his role in securing vehicles and property belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh.
Jagne, who joined the Gambian Army in 2004 and served in vehicle control at State House, told the committee that his assignments often placed him at multiple locations, State House, Brufut, Bijilo, and the MSA compound, sometimes under verbal instructions or “part-time orders” rather than formal written orders. He described being deployed both as a vehicle control officer and as security personnel responsible for protecting Jammeh’s assets.
He testified that during the 2016 political impasse, he found himself among coalition security personnel, although he was not formally assigned to them. When asked if he went to the President-elect’s premises on his own authority, Jagne responded, “Definitely, yes,” emphasizing that his actions were guided by operational necessity and the protection of people and property.
A key incident at MSA involved Jammeh’s vehicles, including a Pajero, which were being moved by other personnel. Jagne said he intervened to prevent potential misuse and to ensure the vehicles remained under proper control. He said this incident led to his formal assignment to MSA, though he had frequented the location prior.
The committee pressed Jagne to clarify the timing and authority of his deployments. He admitted difficulty recalling exact months but maintained that his orders came primarily through Army Commander Saidy Bah, under whom he was attached, even while receiving operational direction from civilian officers on site.
Despite the complex sequence of events, Jagne said his focus was always on safeguarding the assets and managing volatile situations on the ground.