Shock in Dobong: Soldiers Arrested for Vulture Killings

By JarraNews Staff Writer

Dobong, Gambia — Two serving members of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) were arrested on Thursday in Dobong village, Foni Kansala District, after villagers reportedly caught them in the act of harvesting the heads of dead vultures—an act suspected to be linked to ritual practices.

Eyewitnesses say the suspects, both stationed at Yundum Barracks, were found with vulture carcasses which had been mutilated to remove the heads. Villagers apprehended the men on the spot and handed them over to officers at the Bwiam Police Station. The disturbing discovery has sparked public outrage and renewed demands for tougher penalties against wildlife crimes, particularly the illegal killing of vultures, which play a vital role in the ecosystem by disposing of animal remains. Confirming the arrest, GAF spokesperson Captain Malick Kanuteh told JarraNews that the individuals are indeed active members of the armed forces. "The arrested soldiers will be transferred to Yundum Barracks where they will be detained. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in line with military regulations," he stated.

It remains uncertain whether the suspects will be prosecuted under military or civil law. As service members, they are governed by both legal frameworks, and the decision will likely depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations and guidance from the Office of the Attorney General. In the meantime, human rights advocates and wildlife protection groups have strongly condemned the act, describing it as both illegal and morally troubling. Conservationists warn that vulture populations in The Gambia are already under threat, and continued killings could have serious public health consequences. Formal charges have not yet been filed, but pressure is mounting for authorities to send a clear message through legal action.