DIG Sowe demands inter‑agency collaboration to tackle crime, emerging threats
In a decisive move to reinforce national security, the Gambia Police Force has renewed its commitment to inter‑agency collaboration, with Deputy Inspector General of Police Demba Sowe leading a high‑level coordination meeting at police headquarters in Banjul.
The gathering brought together deputy service chiefs, chiefs of operations, and regional commissioners from the West Coast, Kanifing, and Banjul regions, representing the country’s defence and law enforcement agencies.
Chairing the meeting, DIG Sowe welcomed his colleagues and underscored the urgency of strengthening cooperation among institutions to address emerging threats and enhance coordinated operations nationwide. He stressed that clarity in communication is vital for effective joint action, noting that each institution must understand its role when operations overlap.
“The executive directives are clear, and that is for us to maintain the country’s peace and stability and address the concerns of the people,” Sowe declared. “We need to work hand in glove in addressing security‑related issues. Of course, when it comes to internal security, police have the pivotal role, but police alone cannot do this. That is why all security services must come together, put their hands on the same table, and agree on a way forward.”
The deputy police chief reminded participants that security is a shared responsibility, larger than any single institution. “This is not about police portraying. This is about national security, which is bigger than any of our institutions. The concerns of the general public are there, but we must manage them and show that the services are ready to serve and remove fear while maintaining security throughout the country.”
Sowe emphasised unity over rivalry, urging agencies to avoid competition and instead focus on the collective goal of keeping the Gambia safe. “There is no competition among ourselves. What do we compete for? The ultimate goal is to ensure that Gambia remains the safest country in the world, and that cannot be done by one institution. This body is the first of its kind, and I encourage us to make it active, even considering quarterly meetings.”
He reminded officers that their ranks carry responsibility, not ceremony. “We must not shy away from our responsibilities. We must do what is expected of our ranks. After every operation, officials will be responsible for screening arrests. If the matter concerns immigration, then immigration will process the arrestees. If it is police, then the police will do the needful. We are colleagues, hence we should support each other. Again, we are heading to the presidential election soon, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the forthcoming election is held peacefully,” he emphasised.
Following his remarks, representatives of the Gambia Armed Forces, State Intelligence Service, Immigration Department, Prison Service, Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Revenue Authority, and Fire and Rescue Service affirmed their commitment to strengthening joint operations through enhanced collaboration, personnel deployment, and logistical support.
In closing, Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh, Commander of the Gambia National Army and representative of the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, commended the initiative. He highlighted the importance of intelligence‑led operations, recalling his own observations in Lamin. “I found a bunch of boys smoking, and most of the time it is from these smoking points that they plan crimes. They map out which house to break, what crime to commit. These things are so open. The problem is realistic, and our activity must be based on intelligence. If not, we will burn fuel and get nothing. Intelligence is very important,” he postulated.
He urged all services to intensify intelligence gathering throughout the week, stressing that criminal activity shifts quickly and requires constant monitoring. “From Monday to Friday, intelligence of all services should be active. We pick out the points, and later they will shift to another place. Still, intelligence remainskey.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge by defence and law enforcement agencies to strengthen collaboration, sustain coordinated operations, and work collectively to safeguard lives, protect property, and maintain peace and security across the country.
Source: The Point
