The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has dismissed seven personnel with immediate effect following an internal investigation that uncovered serious breaches of military discipline and conduct prejudicial to good order, violating Section 78(1) of the Gambia Armed Forces Act (GAFA) 1985.
The dismissals stem from coordinated misconduct linked to unauthorized maritime activities that threatened national security and the integrity of naval operations.
The investigation, conducted by military intelligence in collaboration with other security agencies, was triggered by the arrest of two privately owned speed boats and a yacht on May 14, June 5, and June 12, 2025. These vessels were implicated in activities that compromised the GAF’s operational integrity. The probe revealed a pattern of deliberate misconduct, including the unauthorized preparation and launching of the speed boats, corroborated by cell site analysis, communications data, and witness statements. The dismissed personnel were found to have received monetary rewards and material benefits, including Tobaski rams, for their involvement in a clandestine network operating under the guise of ALTIMA SEA SPORT LIMITED, a company now under investigation for activities inconsistent with its stated purpose.
The dismissed personnel are Lieutenant (N) Abba Nyassi, Fleet Chief Petty Officer (FCPO) Musa Dampha, Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Ismaila Jobe, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Musa Jammeh, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Alagie Secka, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Ebou Marong, and Leading Seaman (LS) Lamin DK Sanneh. According to the GAF, these individuals directly violated military ethics, their oath of service, and the trust placed in them by the nation. Their actions were described as organized and premeditated, posing an unacceptable risk to operational security, particularly within the Navy.
In a statement, Captain Kemo Kanuteh, Acting Public Relations Officer for the GAF, emphasized the Armed Forces’ zero-tolerance policy toward collusion, corruption, or any compromise of core values. “The actions of these individuals were not isolated lapses but deliberate acts that undermined public trust and the integrity of the service,” Kanuteh said. “Their continued presence in the Armed Forces would jeopardize mission integrity and national security.”
The dismissals reflect the GAF’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding professional standards. The leadership reassured the public that any indiscipline or misconduct will face swift and decisive action to protect the institution’s image, values, and operational effectiveness. “The Gambia Armed Forces remains resolute in its duty to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia while upholding the highest standards of military discipline and public trust,” Kanuteh added.
The investigation’s findings have raised concerns about the vulnerability of military operations to external influence and the need for robust oversight. The involvement of ALTIMA SEA SPORT LIMITED has prompted further scrutiny, with authorities examining its operations to determine the full extent of its activities and any additional threats to national security.
This decisive action by the GAF clearly shows its commitment to rooting out corruption and maintaining the trust of the Gambian people. The dismissals serve as a reminder of the high standards expected of those entrusted with the nation’s defense.
The GAF has pledged to maintain transparency and take all necessary steps to ensure such incidents do not recur, reinforcing its role as a national security and public trust pillar.
