In a significant administrative reshuffle within the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Barrister Abdoulie Ceesay, previously the Director of Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Media and Advocacy, has been redesignated as the Director of Intelligence and Investigation, effective today, March 19, 2025. Concurrently, Assistant Commissioner Ousman Saidyba, the Agency’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), has been assigned to oversee the DDR directorate.
The Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation had remained vacant since Lamin J. Gassama’s transfer to the Ministry of Interior, which necessitated this latest appointment. Barrister Ceesay’s elevation to the role marks another milestone in his illustrious career, spanning two decades of law enforcement and legal practice service.
Ceesay’s journey with the Agency began at its inception in 2005 when he joined the Agency from the Ministry of Justice as a Prosecutor. His career trajectory reflects a blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience in both national and international contexts. In 2006, he completed a Law Diploma at the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI). Two years later, in 2008, he served with the Gambia Police Force (GPF) contingent in South Sudan as part of a peacekeeping mission.
Upon his return, Ceesay was appointed the Agency’s first PRO in 2010 while simultaneously serving as Officer Commanding Prosecution. Between 2012 and 2016, he pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of The Gambia (UTG), followed by the Bar Professional Program at the Gambia Law School from 2017 to 2018. In February 2019, he was called to The Gambian Bar, completing his pupillage at the Ministry of Justice between 2019 and 2020. By November 2020, he was enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia.
Ceesay’s leadership roles within the Agency have been equally impressive. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Commissioner of Prosecution and Legal Affairs. In July 2024, he took on the role of Director of DDR Media and Advocacy, a position he held until his latest appointment today.
Extensive international training bolsters his professional development, including a Counter-Narcotics Course in Turkey (2011), a Law Enforcement Executive Development Course in Gaborone, Botswana (2011/2012), an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the USA on International Crime Issues (2011), and an International Narcotics course in Italy (2019). Ceesay is pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) at UTG and is awaiting his defense.
Reflecting on his new role, Barrister Ceesay brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Saidyba’s assignment to the DDR directorate signals a continued effort to strengthen the Agency’s outreach and advocacy initiatives.
The Agency’s leadership anticipates that these changes will enhance its operational efficiency as it addresses critical issues in drug enforcement and public safety.
