Crime in The Gambia declined by 7.29% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muctarr Touray has announced.
The police chief disclosed the figures during a national address at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, an event organised by the Ministry of Information.
According to the IGP, the latest national crime statistics indicate a downward trend in criminal activity, reflecting what he described as the impact of sustained policing operations and enhanced public engagement.
He revealed that the Gambia Police Force arrested 615 suspects during the review period, with a number of the cases currently progressing through the courts.
Despite the reported improvement, IGP Touray stressed that effective crime prevention requires stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public. He urged citizens to support policing efforts by providing timely, accurate and credible information to help detect and prevent criminal activities.
The Inspector General also highlighted the continued expansion of community policing initiatives, including regular engagements with schools, local communities and other stakeholders. He said these programmes are aimed at strengthening public trust, improving crime prevention strategies and responding more effectively to emerging security concerns.
However, the IGP acknowledged that domestic crime, particularly violent incidents occurring in public entertainment venues such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as in private premises, remains a significant challenge.
He noted that maintaining security at such establishments cannot depend solely on police presence and called on business owners to take greater responsibility for the safety of their premises.
Among the measures recommended were the screening of patrons for weapons before entry, the recruitment of trained private security personnel and the implementation of stronger internal security protocols to reduce the risk of violent incidents.
The police leadership reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public safety while encouraging greater community participation as a key component of sustaining the country’s recent gains in crime reduction.
