"At least 413 persons were arrested by Anti Crime, 142 persons by KM Task Force, 81 persons by Banjul Security Force, 146 persons by Joint Task Force and 72 persons by the Police Intervention Unit (PIU)," Mr. Njie revealed.
ASP Nije said that out of the 881 arrestees, 353 were found not to be associated with any crime after undergoing a screening process. He said 32 persons were charged with immigration related offences, 197 with drug related offences and 196 with robbery, conspiracy to commit felony, idling in disorderly manner and other related issues.
He said Operation Zero Crime came as an idea or strategy by the Gambia Police Force management to ensure that the growing crime rate reported at our various police stations are curbed.
"Therefore, Office of the Inspector General convened a meeting with the sister security agency and the sister security chiefs to come with a strategy to bring all security on board to tackle this problem; since the main objective of all security agencies is to maintain peace and security in the country."
He added that the reason for the activation of the Operation Zero Crime was to ensure that crimes are dealt with in the country.
Njie said that since the activation of Operation Zero Crime, they have undertaken series of activities including patrol task force in Banjul Region, KM and West Coast Region, while conducting patrols in LLR, CRR and URR as well.
“The operation also target criminal hideouts within the Banjul, KM and West Coast Region and also target public places such as highways, markets, garages and other public places.”
Spt. Njie also added that Operation Zero Crime has registered success as most criminals were arrested. However, he said they also face challenges of obstruction where some people resist arrest. He thus urged the public to help them during operation because their (people) security is their concern.
