Gambia President Adama Barrow has ordered the National Guard Unit of the Armed Forces to be on standby for deployment and assume police duties amid the surge in crime rate in the country.

The Gambian leader called on development partners to assist the government's efforts to maintain peace and security ahead of the December general elections.

Barrow said it is his primary duty as the Commander In-Chief of the Armed Forces to keep the Gambia safe while assuring the nation to remain calm.