President Adama Barrow has ordered the army to be on standby as he takes tough measures to fight rising crime in country.

The Gambia has been experiencing growing insecurity and crimes ranging from murder, rape and robbery. 

In a televised address to the nation, President Adama Barrow said: “As a final warning to the criminals and bandits in our midst, I hereby order the National Guard Unit of the Armed Forces to be on standby for deployment, when needed, to assume police duties, as provided for under the National Guard Unit Police Duties Regulations.

“Together with all citizens, we must never allow The Gambia to be a safe haven for criminal acts and banditry.

“Under these circumstances, I am duty-bound to remind and call upon all well-meaning Gambians and residents of The Gambia to equally take their own security seriously.”

President Barrow dismissed critics that “crime is not a political matter and, therefore, should not be politicised.”

“I advise everyone to be vigilant, and to report suspicious activities discovered either within your neighbourhoods or on the streets. Good citizens readily and willingly support law enforcement officials and even lend them a hand, where necessary, during their operations. The least we can do is not to obstruct them in any way.  

“I urge you further not to harbour criminals in your homes or try to assist in covering their crimes. The lives and property that the law enforcement officers strive to protect by day and night belong to us, and we do not wish to be victims of lawless criminal,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba