On October 26 and 27, the Brigade territoriale de gendarmerie de Kéniéba, led by Falaye Fodé Keïta, arrested seven individuals from three countries: Mali, Togo, and Burkina Faso. The arrests were made following a routine patrol based on intelligence, initially in Fadougou, on the axis leading to Moussala. The operation resulted in the seizure of 860 grams of pure gold, valued at 64.5 million Fcfa.
The initial arrest of three individuals in possession of gold and 400,000 Fcfa led to a broader investigation. An team was formed to probe deeper into the matter, given the significance of the seizure and potential connections. The search expanded to the surrounding area, involving aerial geolocation and searches in suspected locations. This led to the arrest of seven people, with three being apprehended in the Dabia area.
The searches in the suspects' homes and peripheral areas uncovered two pistolets-mitrailleurs (PM), three loaded magazines, and a pump shotgun magazine with ten rounds. These items were carefully buried underground. According to the Brigade territoriale commander, this marks the third such discovery made by his team. Preliminary investigation suggests the PMs and their magazines are war weapons used by the network.
The arrested individuals include two Malians, two Togolese, and three Burkinabés. The diversity of nationalities implies a possible transnational network based in Côte d'Ivoire. One suspect revealed he was on his second visit to Kéniéba to scout for potential criminal activities. An agent from a security company, suspected of complicity, was also arrested.
The seized items include the 860 grams of gold and 400,000 Fcfa found on the initial suspects, alongside the war weapons. The investigation indicates that two fugitive accomplices escaped with a shotgun. Authorities stress the importance of local cooperation in providing reliable intelligence to enhance security operations.
The successful operation is attributed to the efforts of the Brigade territoriale de gendarmerie under Falaye Fodé Keïta's command. Residents are urged to collaborate with security forces by offering information to facilitate control and search operations during daily patrols, ultimately protecting people and their property.
The authorities continue to probe the network and its connections. Cooperation from the public is deemed crucial in uncovering and disrupting potential criminal activities in the region. The arrested individuals are being held for further questioning as the investigation unfolds.
Key points
- A transnational network possibly based in Côte d'Ivoire is suspected.
- The seized gold is valued at 64.5 million Fcfa.
- The arrested individuals are from Mali, Togo, and Burkina Faso.
