The Directorate of Joint Assessment at the Office of National Security recently conducted a regional tour to establish and operationalize regional security offices across the country. The team was led by the Director of Joint assessment Lamin Jatta. The main purpose of the tour was to deliver much needed furniture and other office equipment to the newly established offices to enhance the coordination of the various security services in pursuit of national security objectives.
The delivery of the office furniture and other office equipment took place from July 8-12, and comes on the heels of an earlier tour in May in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs meant to identify suitable locations for the regional security offices.
In the West Coast Region (WCR), Governor Fanta Samateh Bojang Manneh commended the ONS’s efforts and underscored the importance of having a Regional Security Coordinator.
“A coordinator will facilitate the coordination of security affairs in the region, enhancing the collaboration and partnership among security forces,” she stated. Governor Manneh emphasized the significance of coherent communication among security institutions, especially during incidents with national security implications.
The Police Commissioner Famara Jallow and Regional Director of the State Intelligence Service, Omar Sowe, both welcomed the ONS team, expressing their gratitude for the provision of the office furniture and other office equipment. They highlighted the critical need for mobility to enhance effective security service delivery to the region.
In the Lower River Region, the ONS team was received by the Governor of the North Bank Region Fatou Jammeh Touray, currently overseeing the region in the absence of its Governor. Among those present for the hand-over was the regional Administrative Officer and security heads from various security institutions in the region.
Governor Touray emphasized the importance of security and praised the ONS’s efforts in establishing Regional Security offices. “Security is everyone’s business,” she remarked, noting the significant challenges faced by security forces in the LRR, particularly the issue of the lack of mobility, which she says hampers quick response and service delivery.
A representative from The Gambia Immigration Department emphasized the critical nature of security within the LRR, and noted the need for continued coordination and partnership among security services.
This regional tour by the ONS marks a significant step towards strengthening the country’s security infrastructure, ensuring better coordination, and enhancing the capabilities of regional security forces.