Burkina Faso launches first motorized security brigade to combat urban crime
In response to rising urban banditry in Ouagadougou, the Burkina Faso National Police has launched a new Motorized Security and Intervention Brigade (BMSI). The specialized, highly mobile unit was officially deployed on September 10, 2025, in Arrondissement 4 of the capital.
Operating primarily on motorcycles, the BMSI is designed to track and intercept mobile armed criminals who often use two-wheel vehicles in real time.
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The unit will also maintain a visible presence on major roadways to deter traffic violations and promote public order.
This initiative reflects President Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s broader security strategy, which emphasizes sovereignty, self-reliance, and adaptive responses to evolving urban threats.
The BMSI embodies a shift toward proactive, rapid-intervention policing tailored to local contexts.
The brigade is the latest in a series of security reforms under Burkina Faso’s ongoing transition, which includes the reorganization of defense forces and the creation of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP).
Together, these efforts aim to build a resilient, African-rooted security architecture focused on community protection and national dignity.
The introduction of the BMSI signals a commitment to practical, citizen-centered solutions as Burkina Faso continues its efforts to reclaim territorial stability and strengthen public safety.
Maurice K.ZONGO
