Addressing a press conference on Thursday evening, the IGP said the operation was necessitated by protests in Banjul and other parts of the country that in some cases turned violent, including attacks on police facilities and utility installations.
The police chief began by acknowledging the hardship caused by the power crisis.
“Let me begin by acknowledging the frustration and difficulties being experienced by communities affected by prolonged electricity disruptions. Electricity is essential to our homes, businesses, and daily lives,” he said.
“The concerns being expressed by affected communities are therefore understandable, and citizens have a legitimate expectation that those concerns will be heard and addressed.”
IGP Touray however stressed that the right to protest must be exercised within the law.
“As the Inspector General of Police, I have a responsibility to ensure that the exercise of individual rights does not result in violence, destruction of property, or threats to the safety and security of others. Legitimate grievances must be expressed peacefully and in accordance with the laws,” he stated.
According to the IGP, while some gatherings were peaceful, others became “unauthorised public processions, including night-time gatherings and movement towards sensitive government installations”.
IGP Touray cited a candlelight procession involving “a significant number of young people, including minors” that proceeded towards State House, where security personnel intervened and dispersed the gathering.
IGP Touray also detailed two major incidents of vandalism. He said that on 8 September 2026, the Farato Police Post was vandalised.
“Detainees were unlawfully released from custody, and property belonging to Gambia Police Post was taken from the facility,” he said.
IGP Touray said that following an “intelligence-led investigation”, an 18-year-old suspect was arrested on 9 September. He said the Police recovered handcuffs, five mobile phones, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The IGP further reported vandalism at NAWEC installations in Latrikunda and London Corner.
“From the information that we got, D380,000 were carted away from the NAWEC facility at Kotu, and an unspecified amount of money in large sums was also taken from the NAWEC facility at London Corner,” he said.
IGP Touray continued: “Moving forward, no grievance, however genuine, gives anyone the right to destroy public or private property, attack facilities, unlawfully release detainees, steal property, or endanger the lives and safety of others.
Joint Security Operation launched
Following a meeting of security service leadership at police headquarters, IGP Touray announced the immediate commencement of a “special joint operation” involving the Gambia Police Force and sister security services.
“The operation will involve coordinated security deployments, enhanced patrol, increased visibility, and intelligence-led monitoring in identified areas of concern,” he said.
The stated objectives are to protect life and property, prevent further violence, safeguard critical national infrastructure, and “maintain and sustain peace and public order that this tiny nation is known for”.
IGP Touray emphasised the operation is “not directed at any political party, community, or any law-abiding citizen” and is “not intended to suppress legitimate concerns”.
However, he issued a stern warning: “From this very moment, nobody is allowed to protest without an approved permit. Nobody is allowed to converge, cause havoc, distort the peace and tranquility of the nation, especially during the night. Any violation of this will be met with necessary force.”
IGP Touray directed all officers to act with “professionalism, restraint, proportionality, and respect for human rights”.
The IGP said that after reviewing individual cases, he ordered the release of some detainees, “particularly minors and women”. Others remain in custody and “will be processed in accordance with the law and due process”.
IGP Touray noted the law applies to everyone, “irrespective of nationality”, and that credible evidence of criminal conduct will be dealt with “very firmly”.
The IGP said security measures alone cannot solve the crisis and called on political leaders, National Assembly members, councillors, community, religious and youth leaders, and parents to help prevent grievances from turning into disorder.
“I particularly encourage parents and guardians to remain attentive to the involvement of children and young persons in nighttime gatherings and situations that may expose them to danger,” he said.
IGP Touray assured Gambians that police “will respect lawful expression. We will protect life and property. We will safeguard public order and critical national infrastructure. And where the law is violated, we will enforce it professionally, proportionally, impartially, and without fear or favour.”
IGP Touray calls on every Gambian to remain calm, responsible, and law-abiding. He said the peace and stability of this country belong to everyone.
The statement comes as public frustration over blackouts continues, with many citizens and civil society groups calling on the government and NAWEC to provide a clear restoration plan and load-shedding schedule.
