By MUHAMMED S. BAH
It has been confirmed to Foroyaa during the weekend by the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) Public Relation Officer 
(PRO), Yaya Drammeh, that the man who was found in possession of a pistol at the main Banjul Mosque on Friday 10 February 2017, is a former state guard soldier.
The said man, whose name at the time could not be revealed by the GAF PRO, was apprehended by the Police Intervention Unit and ECOMIG security personnel at the King Fahad mosque where President Adama Barrow was expected to come to perform the ‘Juma’ prayers.
According to an eye witness account, the man came to the mosque with a bag and was subjected to a physical search during which the pistol was found in his possession. He was later put on a handcuff and taken away in a vehicle.
“I can confirm that the man who was caught is a soldier, former state guard security personnel, but actually I can only give you his full details if I resume office on Monday,” said GAF PRO.
PRO Drammeh further said he is taking this opportunity to inform all soldiers who are in possession of weapons to try and return them to the GAF.
He disclosed that the GAF has been retrieving weapons from Gambian soldiers.
Efforts to talk to the Police PRO for further information on the arrest of this said soldier could not materialise.
Foroyaa will make further findings for more information on the matter.
