Momodou Sabally has defended the Immigration Department’s handling of the arrest of National Development Party (NDP) leader Kebba Madi Bojang, accusing opposition parties of undermining law enforcement after they condemned what they described as the use of excessive force against the politician.

His comments came after more than 30 opposition parties and groups criticised the treatment of Bojang during an immigration operation in Tanji and called for accountability over the incident.

Sabally said he found it contradictory that opposition figures who frequently complain about rising crime were now defending someone he alleged had obstructed law enforcement officers from carrying out their duties.

“What I don’t understand is that at a time when the opposition is lamenting high crime rates, that same opposition is defending the obnoxious actions of a recalcitrant and toxic person who openly obstructs the work of law enforcement officials,” he said.

Sabally argued that security officers could not be expected to stand aside while someone physically interfered with their work.

“Where in the world would security personnel stand by and watch an individual interfere with their work through brazen physical confrontation?” he asked.

He cautioned against politicising security operations, saying national security matters should not be turned into political contests.

“Politics is a cunning game and we understand that, but playing games with national security matters should not be condoned in any way,” he said.

He maintained that anyone dissatisfied with the conduct of security officers should pursue legal remedies rather than obstructing officers in the execution of their duties.

“If any person has objections to the operations of security personnel then that person has several legal means to rectify that or seek redress in a country whose judicial independence is outright unquestionable,” he said.

He added that no one, regardless of political status, has the right to interfere with law enforcement.

“Whether you are the leader of a political party or not, no Gambian has the right to attack or obstruct law enforcement officials on duty,” he said.

Sabally also urged the Immigration Department not to apologise or retreat in the face of public criticism.

“I see that the Immigration Department is issuing press releases attempting to appease and cajole the noise makers regarding the Kebba Madi incident. They should stop pandering to the online mob, stand their ground and focus on their mission,” he said.

He warned that security institutions should not seek popularity on social media at the expense of enforcing the law.

“Our security institutions must also understand that they are not here to be liked by everybody. If our law enforcement institutions get into the business of competing for likes and views on social media, then the whole nation is in deep trouble,” he said.

While defending the actions of law enforcement officers, Sabally stressed that he does not support human rights violations or the unnecessary use of force.

“Let me make it clear that I do not support and will never condone human rights abuses and use of unnecessary excessive force on citizens. But law enforcement is supposed to be free and bold to do their job within the limits of our statutes,” he said.

Sabally called for what he described as a more serious approach to law enforcement, arguing that respecting security institutions is essential to maintaining lasting peace and national security.

The controversy follows the arrest of Kebba Madi Bojang during an immigration operation linked to the investigation of one of his political associates.

Videos circulating on social media showed immigration officers restraining Bojang before placing him into a vehicle, prompting criticism from opposition parties, who alleged that excessive force had been used.

By Adama Makasuba