On October 1, 2026, police in Siguiri, Guinea, presented nine individuals suspected of being involved in a string of armed attacks that occurred between July and September. The arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation into the attacks, which resulted in significant material losses and, in some cases, casualties. According to Siguiri Central Police Commissioner Ibrahima Naby Traoré, the attacks took place in various localities, prompting authorities to invite security forces and the public to collaborate in combating the phenomenon.
The attacks, which began in July 2026, targeted several locations in Siguiri. On August 18, 2026, Yaya Traoré was a victim of an attack in which a gold detector machine was stolen. Eight days later, a residence in the Victoria neighborhood was attacked, resulting in the theft of 180 million Guinean francs, a motorcycle, and several phones. On August 29, an Orange Money kiosk in Boukaria was targeted, and the victim, Mamadou Oury Diallo, was shot and lost his left thumb. No money was stolen in this attack.
Further attacks were reported in September 2026. On September 4, an attack occurred in Kèda, resulting in the theft of two motorcycles and a phone. Six days later, a gold sales office in the Konkron sector was attacked, with approximately 30 million Guinean francs, over 50 grams of gold, and a phone stolen. According to Commissioner Traoré, investigations led by the National Police Directorate resulted in the arrest of several suspects believed to be involved in these incidents.
Among those arrested was Bandjigui Kouyaté, alias "Saa" or "The Snake," identified by investigators as a primary suspect. He allegedly admitted to involvement in several attacks, including those targeting the Konkron gold sales office, the Victoria neighborhood residence, and the Kintinia Orange Money kiosk. Other suspects, including Laye Mouctar Camara, Kissi Koïta, Nouhan Keïta, Ansoumane Diakité, and Sékouba Camara, alias "Sekouzé," were also implicated in the investigation.
According to police statements, some suspects admitted to participating in various aspects of the attacks, including gathering intelligence, transporting or recovering arms used during the incidents. Zéneb Camara, the only woman among those cited, allegedly acknowledged contact with several individuals suspected of criminal activities. Baïlo Camara, a student, reportedly purchased several phones from Bandjigui Kouyaté. Authorities also mentioned Makandjan Camara, alias "Pelé," currently detained at Siguiri's prison, who was previously sentenced to 18 years in prison.
During the operations, security services seized an AK-47 rifle, a charger, and 11 rounds of ammunition. A PMAK-45 rifle was also among the items presented by police. Authorities stated that their efforts aim to continue combating armed attacks and other forms of crime in the Siguiri region. The police called on the public to strengthen collaboration with security forces by reporting suspicious behavior or individuals to prevent and combat crime.
The arrests and seizure of arms demonstrate the ongoing efforts of Guinean security forces to address the rising issue of armed attacks in the Siguiri region. The authorities' proactive measures and public appeal for cooperation aim to enhance security and restore stability in the area. As investigations continue, further details on the suspects and their networks are expected to emerge.
Key points
- Nine suspects were arrested in connection with multiple armed attacks in Siguiri, Guinea, between July and September 2026.
- The attacks resulted in significant material losses and, in some cases, casualties, prompting a collaborative effort between security forces and the public to combat crime.
- Authorities seized an AK-47 rifle, a charger, and 11 rounds of ammunition during the operations, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the rising issue of armed attacks in the region.
