Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctarr Touray has insisted that crime is declining in The Gambia despite a recent spate of fatal stabbings that has heightened public concern over security.

Speaking at an emergency press conference, Touray said the recent killings were “regrettable” but stressed they did not reflect an overall rise in crime.

“We are gathered here today to give account of the security situation in view of the unfortunate alleged murders recently recorded,” he said, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.

The police chief disclosed that all suspects linked to the recent fatal stabbings have been arrested and will be brought before the courts to answer the allegations against them.

He identified the victims as Yunus Mbye of Fajara, Mr. Saal of Wellingara, David Biyai, also known as Dawda, of Fajikunda, Mariama of Manjai Kunda, and Ibrahim Manjai of Latrikunda German, whose killing occurred within the last 48 hours.

The chief cop acknowledged public anxiety over the incidents but argued that national crime statistics show a different trend.

“Crime is decreasing in The Gambia,” he said, adding that police data recorded a 7.29% reduction in crime during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

He also noted that The Gambia continues to rank among the world’s most peaceful countries, saying it is 56th globally, fourth in Africa and the most peaceful country in West Africa, according to the Global Peace Index.

The Inspector General said the police had intensified operations in the Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region, where officers conducted 164 joint patrols between 5 and 28 June.

During that period, he said, police made 615 arrests, with several of the cases already before the courts.

While defending the force’s response, Touray acknowledged that police officers could not be deployed everywhere at all times because of resource constraints.

He urged members of the public to provide timely intelligence to help officers respond quickly to criminal activity and called on the owners of bars, restaurants, motels and nightclubs to strengthen security by screening patrons for weapons and employing security personnel.

“We will spare no effort to prevent crime. Where prevention is impossible, we will detect, apprehend and duly prosecute offenders in accordance with the law,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba