Police raid in Brikama nets more than 30 suspects after residents raise alarm

Police Raid in Brikama Nets More Than 30 Suspects After Residents Raise Alarm

By Senegambia Times Staff

BRIKAMA, The Gambia — The Gambia Police Force says it has arrested more than 30 suspects, including one female, during a targeted security operation in Drimakolong, Brikama, following growing concern from residents over rising criminal activity in the area.

The operation was carried out on Sunday, April 5, 2026, by the Lower West Coast Taskforce in collaboration with patrol teams and the Banjulinding Anti-Crime Unit. According to police, the raid followed repeated complaints from community members who had raised alarm over worsening insecurity and a pattern of violent incidents.

Among the concerns cited were reports of serious assault, robbery, and a recent stabbing, all of which had increased fear among residents and heightened calls for urgent intervention.

Police said all those arrested are currently undergoing screening to determine their level of involvement, while investigations continue.

Beyond the arrests, the operation points to a wider public safety challenge facing many fast-growing communities: how to respond early and effectively when residents begin to feel that insecurity is taking hold. In that sense, the raid reflects not only enforcement, but also the value of community reporting in shaping police response.

For local residents, the immediate hope will be that the operation helps restore calm and confidence. For law enforcement, the next test will be ensuring that the screening process is thorough, fair, and backed by follow-up measures that sustain security beyond a single raid.

Police have encouraged the public to continue reporting suspicious activity to the nearest police station or by calling 9968885, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to crime prevention and neighborhood safety.