Gambian soldiers from 2 Infantry Battalion, Farafenni Barracks have arrested two motorcycle thieves on the border with Senegal.

The suspects have been handed over to the Gambia Police Force for further processing pending charges.

“Troops of the Gambia Armed Forces at the 2 Infantry Battalion, Farafenni Barracks on Sunday 28 July 2024 intercepted two individuals allegedly transporting different parts of motorcycles. The interception occurred while the troops were mounting a checkpoint between Posteh Kerr Ali and Posteh Kerr Ayib around the Gambia- Senegal border.

“It was discovered that the criminals’ modus operandi involved dismantling their loot (in this case a motorcycle), motor vehicle or other valuable items.  Thereafter, they share the different parts amongst themselves; travel in separate means of transport just to later rendezvous (meet up) at a destination that is mutually agreed upon by the parties involved.

“The criminals would then re-assemble the stolen parts, change the color and get/sell the stolen and re-assembled product in the market.  The apprehended culprits have been handed over by the Commanding Officer of the 2 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrima I Krubally to the Gambia Police Force for further actions,” the army said.

The Gambia has seen a sharp rise in stealing for the past years amid introduction of the so-called democracy by the Barrow government.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba