By: Haruna Kuyateh
Joint security forces including the Gambia Police Force, Gambia Immigration Department, and Drug Law Enforcement Agency in consultation with the Lower Badibou Alkalolu Association, Village Development Committees and women recently held a daylong community security engagement to enhance community policing and security.
The forum was held in Kinteh Kunda Janneh Ya in the North Bank Region.
Speaking at the program, Chief FabalaFadia Kinteh of Lower Badibou described the community engagement in fostering mutual understanding on the work and mandate of different security, in the quest to sustain peace and security.
Chief Kinteh urged alkalolu to disseminate the lesson learned, respect the rule of law, and as well appeal for the resumption of issuing ID cards.
Mustapha Sowe, the Deputy Regional Police Commissioner for NBR underscored the Gambia Police Force and other sister security commitment to the enforcement of law and order, through the use of community policing and engagement.
He said the outreach program aimed to create a platform to interact with alkalolu, Village Development Committees, Youths, and Women to discuss stronger partnerships in curbing all forms of criminal activities.
DPC Sowe asserted that the interface would help to reinforce actions and strategies in reducing crimes and addressing security challenges through joint action.
Yankuba Sanneh, Regional Drug Law Enforcement Agency Commissioner advised them to be vigilant and steadfast in combating drug-free society.
ASP Peter Colley who doubled as Station Officer Gambia Immigration Department Biometric Office in Kerewan said issuing of ID cards will commence in January while calling on alkalolu and compound heads to register all aliens with alkalolu. The registration helps Immigration Officers to monitor, generate revenue, and above all reduce the criminal activities of aliens.
Adama Jobe Focal Person Community Policing at Farafenni Police Station cautioned community elders and parents to desist from early and forced marriage, noting that it is against the law and anyone found wanting a due process of the law and with a jail term of 5 years awaiting such person.
Ali Bah Chairman of the Lower Badibou Alkalolu Association assured them of their commitment to work with security to improve the lives and livelihood of the people.
