By Binta Jaiteh
The Inspector General of Police, Seedy Muctarr Touray has said that crime rate in The Gambia is declining despite recent murder cases that have raised public concern.
He was quick to reaffirm the Gambia Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing on the recent killings, Touray described the incidents as unfortunate and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“We know this news cannot bring back the dead, but we hope it will console their families to know that all the alleged murder suspects have been arrested and will be arraigned before the courts to answer the charges against them. It is a sad moment for all of us,” he remarked.
The police chief says the force is doing everything within its capacity to address crime and maintain public safety.
He highlighted the role of community policing, noting that officers continued to engage communities and schools to promote crime prevention and better understand local security concerns.
Touray appealed to members of the public to work closely with the police to make The Gambia safer.
“We need your help to make The Gambia a safer place for all law-abiding citizens and residents. However, it remains a major challenge to prevent domestic crimes such as stabbings in bars, motels, restaurants, nightclubs and even private homes,” he said. “We strongly recommend that owners of such establishments screen patrons for weapons before entry and employ security personnel to prevent fights that can lead to avoidable deaths,” he added.
He says it is impossible for the police to deploy officers to every location but assures the public that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“We want to reassure the public about their safety. We will apprehend and duly prosecute offenders in accordance with the laws. Let me reiterate that crime is decreasing in The Gambia,” Touray remarked.
The Inspector General disclosed that police statistics for the first quarter of 2026 recorded a 7.29 per cent decline in crime compared with the same period in 2025.
He also noted that The Gambia continues to rank among the world’s most peaceful countries on the Global Peace Index.
The Gambia Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, law and order, stating that it remained concerned about the recent fatal incidents and will continue to promote public safety through transparency, accountability and proactive engagement with the public.