Security Institutions
Gambia Armed Forces
The Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy and Airforce. The principal functions of the GAF are;
- To preserve and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia.
- To aid the civil authority at their request, in emergencies and in the case of natural disasters.
- To engage at the request of civil authorities, in productive activities such as agriculture, engineering, health, and education for the development of The Gambia,
- The National Youth Service shall be organised with cooperation and assistance of the Armed Forces.
- The Armed Forces shall establish training for their member’s at all levels to equip them with skills and trades, and a program of secondment to civilian occupations, so as to enable members of the GAF to return to a full and productive civilian life.
The Gambia Police Force
The Police Force is primarily responsible for the preservation of law and order. The GPF is divided in several specialist police departments. Functions and powers include the protection of life and property, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, enforcement of all laws and regulations relating to policing. They also oversee the implementation of the private security Act; supervising and training all private security companies. You can learn more about their work by visiting the police website
State Intelligence Service
In 2017 President Adama Barrow renamed the National Intelligence Agency to State Intelligence Service in respect of it’s purpose to provide security to the people of The Gambia. Their primary purpose within the security community is to lead in intelligence collection and analysis on matters relating to national security. There full mandate is outlined in the National Security Policy (2019) as well as the Constitution.
The Gambia Prisons Services
The Prison Service has a primary mandate to reform and rehabilitate individuals so they can reintegrate back into society. The safety and welfare of inmates under their custody is of critical importance.
Drug Law Enforcement Agency
DLEAG is the lead agency mandated to regulate and control drug abuse, drug trafficking and related activities by enforcing the Drug Control Act of 2003. All international protocols and conventions relating to drugs trafficking have been signed and ratified by The Gambia. You can learn more about their work by visiting their website.
The Gambia Immigration Department
The Gambia Immigration Service was established in 1965. It’s primary function is to facilitate, control, monitor and regulate entry, residence and exit of persons at entry points and localities within the country. The Immigration Department also fulfils a number of other important duties the full list of which are in the National Security Policy (2019). The Immigration Department conducted a significant number of reforms during 2019.
The Gambia Fire and Rescue Services
The Gambia Fire Service Act of 1948 sets out the mandate of the service which is to perform the function of saving life in fire and other disasters. They are also responsible for protecting life and property from destruction and catastrophe (manmade or natural). As needed, they are available to render humanitarian services and assist in the protection of the environment.
The Gambia Revenue Authority (Customs and Excise)
The Gambia Revenue Authority is a merger of the former Customs and Excise and Domestic Taxes Department. They primary purpose is to maximise revenue collection to bring about economic sovereignty and self-reliance as a country; in this light, they are responsible for collecting revenue on all taxable imports. They also play an important role in the prevention and detection of crime.