By Makutu Manneh
Gambian immigration authorities said on Saturday that they had intercepted a group of suspected irregular migrants in a coastal operation near the village of Brufut, following intelligence reports of a possible “backway” attempt.
In a statement, the Gambia Immigration Department said it received information indicating that a boat at sea off Brufut was suspected to be linked to irregular migration. Acting on the tip, officers—including two newly recruited sailors still undergoing training—deployed from Tanji aboard a patrol vessel and moved toward the area.
At sea, the officers intercepted two suspected boats carrying fuel, which officials said was believed to be intended for use in an irregular migration journey. A third suspected vessel was also sighted at the Brufut landing site, the department said.
One person, described by authorities as the suspected organizer of the attempted migration, was arrested. The two boats carrying fuel were escorted to Tanji beach, where the items were offloaded and transported to the Tanji Migration Centre for further investigation.
“One suspect, believed to be the organizer of the attempted irregular migration movement, was apprehended. The two boats conveying fuel were subsequently escorted to the Tanji beach, where the items were offloaded and conveyed to the Tanji Migration Centre for further investigation.”
The Immigration Department reiterated its commitment to combating irregular migration, saying it would continue to rely on intelligence-led operations to protect the country’s territorial integrity.