Malian Police Dismantle Major Armed Robbery Ring in Bamako
Analysis: A targeted police operation highlights both persistent security challenges and investigative successes in Mali’s capital.
BAMAKO – In a significant blow to organized criminal activity in the capital, Malian police have dismantled a suspected armed robbery network believed responsible for a series of high-profile attacks across Bamako. The operation, resulting in four arrests and the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and stolen cash, underscores the ongoing security pressures facing the city’s businesses and residents.
Operation Unfolds from Titibougou Robbery
According to a statement from the National Police, the breakthrough came from an investigation into a December 5th armed robbery in the Titibougou district. Two assailants assaulted a merchant, escaping with over 10 million CFA francs (approximately $16,300). Investigators swiftly identified a primary suspect: a former employee of the victim who had been dismissed for theft.
His arrest, with 250,000 CFA francs in hand and a motorcycle bought with the stolen funds, led to a cascade of confessions and further arrests. The suspect implicated an accomplice who allegedly provided crucial information to target the merchant. This second individual was apprehended with 800,000 CFA francs of his share.
Network Linked to String of Major Crimes
The investigation expanded beyond the Titibougou case. Police now allege the group is connected to several other major incidents that have shaken business owners in Bamako, including:
- The burglary of the Banque de Développement du Mali (BDM) at the Hippodrome.
- The robbery of an Orange Money mobile money agent in Sirakoro.
- An assault on a phone vendor in Fombabougou.
“This operation demonstrates the determination of the security forces in the fight against insecurity,” the police statement noted, attributing the success to directives from senior officials including the Director General of the National Police, Inspector General Youssouf Koné.
Weapons Recovered, Suspects Handed to Judiciary
The police raid led to significant recoveries. At the residence of a third suspect, authorities found a firearm, ammunition, and 1 million CFA francs. A fourth individual was arrested for attempting to sell a weapon in the aftermath of the robbery; a search of his home yielded another firearm and two loaded magazines.
The four suspects, identified by authorities with the initials M.C. (alias “Zépé,” 25), M.C. (alias “Le Roi,” 27), S.M. (29), and B.N. (29), have been transferred to the judicial system for prosecution. The police emphasized that the investigation remains active to uncover any remaining accomplices.
Context: Security and Public Collaboration
This operation was framed as part of enhanced security measures during the end-of-year period, a time when criminal activity often sees an uptick. The Commissioner of the Souleymanebougou Police Station, Principal Commissioner Fousseny Ouattara, praised his team’s work and issued a call for continued public vigilance.
He urged citizens to strengthen collaboration with security forces by reporting suspicious behavior, highlighting the role of community intelligence in maintaining public safety. This appeal reflects a broader recognition within Malian security strategy that policing complex urban environments requires active citizen participation.
While the dismantling of this network represents a clear tactical victory for Bamako’s police, it also brings into focus the persistent threat of armed robbery targeting merchants and financial services—a challenge for economic stability and daily life in the capital.
Primary Source: This report is based on information released by the Directorate General of the National Police of Mali (DGPN), published by Bamada.net.