Security for Mawlid 2026: 3,644 police officers, 168 vehicles and a reinforced technological network in Tivaouane

The various security operations carried out in the lead-up to the Gamou (Mawlid al-Nabi) in Tivaouane were detailed by Chief Superintendent Sofiétou Mbaye, Central Commissioner and Head of the Regional Public Security Service of Thiès. This press conference was held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Tivaouane urban police station.

This press conference provided an opportunity to present the full range of measures deployed by law enforcement to ensure the safety of worshippers and the public. The statement was made on behalf of Inspector General of Police Mame Seydou Ndour, Director General of the National Police, and on the instructions of the Director of Public Security, Divisional Police Commissioner of Exceptional Class Ndiarra Sène.

“ The Gamou, the annual celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), remains one of the most important religious events in Senegal, bringing together thousands of faithful from across the country and the sub-region ,” Commissioner Sofiétou Mbaye noted. According to her, security measures must be at a very high level to guarantee public order, ensure smooth traffic flow, combat crime, and prevent any incidents.

Preventive measures and proven results

One month before the event, security operations were launched across the entire municipal area of ​​Tivaouane, and then extended to the municipality of Thiès. These actions mobilized personnel from the Tivaouane urban police station, the Thiès central police station, and the Mobile Intervention Group (GMI).

Checkpoints were set up on strategic roads to conduct rigorous traffic controls, while areas considered high-crime zones were targeted by the Criminal Investigation Brigades. According to the central police commissioner of Thiès, these preventative operations resulted in the arrest of 167 people, including 128 for identity checks, 13 for theft, 12 for public intoxication, 10 for possession and use of marijuana, 2 for vagrancy, and 1 for dangerous driving. In addition, 228 administrative documents were seized, 22 vehicles were impounded, and 24 motorcycles were immobilized.

Law enforcement also solved a criminal case that occurred on August 22, 2026: an individual was arrested for the murder of a 24-year-old woman whose body was discovered in the Selko district. The suspect is currently in custody as part of the investigation.

A massive deployment of human, logistical and technological resources

The full deployment of the operation has been effective since Sunday, August 23, 2026. It relies on 3,644 police officers from all operational departments. One week before the official launch, an advance contingent of 200 members of the Mobile Intervention Group (GMI) had already been deployed to support the clearing operations and the delimitation of pedestrian zones.

In terms of equipment, 168 vehicles are deployed in the field. The fleet includes 6 large buses, 11 minibuses, 20 troop transport trucks, 4 baggage trucks, 15 Iveco vehicles, 51 pickup trucks, 1 direct intervention vehicle, and 1 armored vehicle. Specialized logistical equipment complements the fleet with 3 water tankers, 2 diesel tankers, 2 recovery vehicles, 2 fully equipped ambulances, 4 semi-trailer trucks, 1 vacuum truck, and 1 command vehicle. The mobile unit also includes 49 motorcycles assigned to escort, intervention, and intelligence gathering.

The system also relies on cutting-edge technologies, combining 10 fixed surveillance cameras, 21 body cams , 6 drones accompanied by an anti-drone system, 20 tactical terminals (PDAs) and 214 radio transmission stations.

Community policing and instructions for users

To strengthen police presence across the territory, six advanced police posts have been established in high-risk areas to bring the police closer to the population. As part of the "police serving the citizen" initiative, two advanced medical posts have also been set up near Sokhna Aïda's home and at the El Hadji Babacar Sy Middle School.

In conclusion, Commissioner Mbaye urged motorists to strictly adhere to the traffic code and warned that a zero-tolerance policy would be enforced regarding helmet use for motorcyclists. The National Police called for the cooperation and understanding of all pilgrims to ensure a peaceful Gamou.

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