Fada n'gourma: The regional director of the national police in Goulmou, Divisional Commissioner Yacouba Ouattara, alongside his colleagues, held a press conference in Fada N'Gourma to present the results of the security activities carried out by the national police in the region during the year 2025.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, held on December 22, 2025, began with a tribute to the fallen soldiers before addressing the general context of police operations in the region. Commissioner Yacouba Ouattara explained that the Goulmou National Police responded to regional challenges by enhancing its presence on the ground and strengthening collaboration with other defense and security forces, as well as administrative, traditional, and religious authorities.
The police conducted 1,557 patrols, both day and night, in urban and peri-urban centers and executed 320 cordon and search operations in sensitive areas. These efforts led to the checking of 7,574 individuals, 1,100 two-wheeled vehicles, and 641 other vehicles. As a result, 1,263 individuals were arrested for various offenses, 37 criminal networks were dismantled, and 251 motorcycles and 68 motor vehicles were impounded. Weapons, including bladed weapons and firearms, were also seized.
Regarding criminal investigations, 2,860 cases were initiated, which included 708 cases of theft and armed robbery, 40 cases of fraud, 105 cases of assault and battery, and 96 drug-related offenses. These cases were managed in collaboration with judicial authorities, leading to the arrest of 1,078 individuals.
In administrative policing, the police carried out 1,634 traffic stops, recorded 945 violations, and impounded 240 vehicles. These measures contributed to a significant reduction in traffic accidents, particularly in Patam-Gourma, where accidents decreased from 242 in 2024 to 172 in 2025, marking a 29% reduction.
The conference also outlined community policing initiatives, such as awareness campaigns targeting students, parents, and community leaders on issues like juvenile delinquency, gender-based violence, and public cooperation with security forces. Financially, the police's activities resulted in the recovery of over 30 million CFA francs for the public treasury.
Commissioner Ouattara acknowledged several challenges, including insufficient logistical and vehicle resources, the vastness of the region, and the heavy operational pressure on personnel. Looking ahead, he stated that the priorities for 2026 would include continuing the redeployment of units, strengthening community policing, and intensifying efforts against urban crime. He urged the people of Goulmou to fully cooperate with security forces, emphasizing that "security is not the sole responsibility of the defense and security forces, but a collective responsibility."