Series of attacks: a gang dismantled by the Keur Massar BR, three suspects arrested, including an artist

The Keur Massar Research Brigade (BR) has put an end to the activities of a criminal network that was sowing dismay among local populations, particularly targeting workers and traders returning home late.

A night of terror: the trap set for shopkeeper K. DIOP

The events date back to September 22, 2026. It was around 12:30 a.m. when K. Diop, a shopkeeper, was returning home after a day's work. Suddenly, several individuals armed with knives and a machete, and equipped with a tear gas grenade, appeared beside her.

The assailants threw a powdery substance in his face. Asphyxiated after inhaling the powder and under the direct threat of knives, the victim was forced to hand over his personal belongings, including a Tecno Camon 50 mobile phone valued at 145,000 CFA francs. The group immediately fled, leaving the victim in a state of shock.

Faced with the recurring nighttime attacks, which are fueling a strong sense of insecurity, the Keur Massar Research Brigade is conducting meticulous investigations. On October 13, 2026, Mr. SAMB, a 23-year-old artist residing in the APIX housing complex, was arrested, according to Seneweb sources.

During his hearing, he was formally identified by the victim, K. Diop, as one of his attackers. During his interrogation, Mr. Samb confessed and implicated his accomplice, Ao Diallo, a 30-year-old driver residing in Keur Massar. He identified him as the gang's scout, responsible for identifying potential targets near the Keur Massar market before reporting their movements to the rest of the group.

Following this, armed with this information, investigators arrested AO DIALLO. When questioned, he initially tried to deny any connection with his accomplices, before recanting his statements and admitting his direct involvement in the attack on the shopkeeper.

The investigation is expanding to trace the network used to distribute the stolen goods. The investigation has focused on C. GADIAGA, a 29-year-old merchant also residing in Keur Massar and operating out of the local market. According to information gathered by the gendarmerie, C. GADIAGA bought stolen goods at ridiculously low prices in order to transport them to The Gambia for resale.

In the specific case of K. DIOP's mobile phone, he acknowledges having acquired it for the sum of 37,000 CFA francs, an amount far below its actual value.

When questioned about the device's whereabouts, C. GADIAGA claimed to have resold it to an individual named L. (alias "Laye"), without providing any further identifying information. Contacted by investigators, L. maintained that he was currently in the village, while C. GADIAGA stated that he had seen him at the market the previous day. Given these discrepancies, further investigations are underway to locate the device and the ultimate receiver of stolen goods.

The searches carried out at the suspects' respective homes led to some startling discoveries: six knives, a machete, and a poison gas grenade were seized by the police. This arsenal confirms the violent modus operandi used in the numerous attacks reported in the area.

In total, three main members were taken into custody on October 14, 2026, at 10:00 PM: Mr. SAMB (23 years old, artist), AO DIALLO (30 years old, driver), and C. GADIAGA (29 years old, shopkeeper). The three suspects face charges of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery committed at night using a weapon and a vehicle, and receiving stolen goods.

Following their detention and the completion of the legal proceedings, the three suspects will be brought before Prosecutor Saliou Dicko, head of the Pikine-Guédiawaye prosecutor's office, this Friday. The investigation continues in order to apprehend any accomplices who may be at large.