APRC deputy spokesman Dodou Jah has said that the government should arm the police officers to help tackle the rise in insecurity.

According to him, the security forces are doing exceptional job in the country but that they lack empowerment like they are not armed to tackle violent crimes in the country.

“The insecurity in the country is because we are not making best use of our security forces. Thus, we should empower our security. It’s only Gambia where you have armless police officers on duty that’s why people disrespect them and look low upon them.

“Just like Malian police are armed with pistols. I am not even saying that the police should be armed with heavy weapons but they can be armed with light weapons like pistols, knives and batons, and spray,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba