By Isatou Sarr
Police in Kanifing have arrested five suspects in connection with a series of motorcycle-related robberies targeting members of the public within the municipality and surrounding areas, the Gambia Police Force (GPF) said.
The arrests followed investigations into a robbery reported on December 25, 2025, at Jimpex in Kanifing, involving a Swedish national. The victim was attacked while attempting to cross the road when assailants riding a motorcycle snatched a handbag containing mobile phones, cash, and bank cards.
Police said the incident was promptly reported at the Kanifing Police Station, prompting an immediate investigation. With the assistance of the complainant, officers tracked two of the stolen mobile phones to one suspect, leading to his arrest. Further questioning resulted in the arrest of additional suspects believed to be part of the same robbery network.
On January 16, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., detectives from the Kanifing Criminal Investigation Department arrested the five suspects identified as Musa Bajaha, alias “Yougou” (Gambian), Bamba Mbye (Senegalese), Sulayman Badjie (Gambian), Sulayman Conteh (Gambian), and Modou Sey (Senegalese).
During the operation, police recovered two iPhones, assorted electronic gadgets, and D21,500 in cash, all suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Further investigations conducted on January 17 revealed that two of the suspects—Musa Bajaha and Bamba Mbye—were allegedly linked to other robbery cases reported within the municipality on December 5 and December 10, 2025. Police said the suspects employed a similar modus operandi, using motorcycles to snatch handbags from unsuspecting victims in busy roadside and commercial areas.
A lawful search at the residence of Bamba Mbye in New Jeshwang led to the recovery of a laptop and five additional iPhones. Police said some of the items were traced to previously reported robbery cases.
One of the recovered phones was identified as belonging to an officer of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, while another was linked to a case earlier reported at the Bakoteh Police Station and has since been forwarded to the Bakoteh Criminal Investigation Department for further action.
All five suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. The Gambia Police Force has assured the public that operations to curb street crime remain ongoing and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly those involving motorcycle riders.
