The Kaolack research unit has dismantled a network trafficking in homemade weapons that operated between Touba, Kaffrine and the Saloum region. Two individuals have been arrested.

Faced with the increase in armed attacks in the central area of the country, the Kaolack SR had deployed teams tasked with monitoring the circulation of weapons.

It all started with a drug trafficking operation in the village of Ngathie Naoudé. A man named A. Mbaye was arrested in possession of marijuana. A search of his home led investigators to discover two homemade pistols and ammunition, according to Seneweb sources.

During his arrest, he formally identified his supplier as N. Niang, aged 78 and residing in Touba.

The investigation revealed that despite his advanced age, N. Niang frequented the weekly markets in the Central area, particularly that of Birkelane.

He sold the homemade pistols he concealed in a satchel mainly to farmers who justified these purchases by the need to protect their herds.

On January 25, 2026, the Kaolack Regional Investigation Service (SR) conducted a targeted operation at the Birkelane weekly market. Guided by A. Mbaye, investigators identified and arrested N. Niang, from whom they seized three homemade weapons and 75 rounds of ammunition.

Including the weapons previously discovered at A. Mbaye's, a total of five homemade weapons and several dozen cartridges have been removed from circulation.

Placed in police custody, A. Mbaye admitted to acquiring the weapons from N. Niang at a unit price of 12,000 CFA francs. He justified this purchase by the need to ensure the safety of his livestock, according to Seneweb sources.

For his part, N. Niang, aged 78, admitted to selling weapons. He stated that he obtained his supplies on the black market in Touba, but claimed not to know his own supplier.

Paradoxically, he denied any relationship with A. Mbaye, despite the disturbing similarity between the weapons found in his possession and those seized at the latter's home.

A link has been established with criminal acts.

The investigation revealed the use of these homemade weapons in several crimes committed in the region. Investigators notably established a link with the attack perpetrated at the Le Jardin hotel in Kahone on December 29, 2025. During this robbery, the assailants, armed with similar homemade pistols, made off with cell phones and a large sum of money after threatening everyone present at the scene.

The two individuals involved were brought before the public prosecutor at the Kaolack High Court on Monday, January 26, 2026. They are being prosecuted for the illegal sale of weapons, possession of homemade weapons, and possession of category 3 ammunition without administrative authorization.