Police have warned drivers not to ignore security checkpoints, adding that it is a criminal offence to do so.

A press statement from the office of the Inspector General, and signed by the police PRO, ASP Lamin Njie, says that several drivers in the recent past have ignored orders at the security checkpoints.

It says such incidents have security implications and can be endangering for the drivers and the security personnel.

Below we reproduce the full press release:

“The Office of the Inspector General of Police has noted with deep concern that some drivers are in the habit of defying security controls at checkpoints.

“In the recent past, such incidents are reported in a number of occasions and in suspicious circumstances that could lead to unwarranted security implications.

“On Tuesday July 31st 2019 at around 04:40 hours, a truck carrying logs failed to stop at a military checkpoint at Bwiam manned by ECOMIG forces, striking the baffles of the safety device.

“Subsequently, three logs dropped off the vehicle, hitting and causing injuries to an officer of the ECOMIG Company on duties.

“In accordance with section 69 of the motor traffic act, a person driving a motor vehicle on a road who failed to stop or does not alter his route, on being required so to do by a member of the police force in uniform, commits an offense.

“In this regard, the Inspector General’s Office urges the general public especially drivers to comply with security procedures at checkpoints as failure to do so will result to the application of the full force of the law.

“The cooperation of the general public is highly solicited.”