By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department said that it had detained 32 people suspected of attempting irregular migration to Europe during an operation in the town of Barra, on the country’s northwestern coast.
In a statement, the department said the group was intercepted on April 19 at Mendy’s Lodge following what it described as an intelligence-led operation carried out by its Barra Migration Management Unit in coordination with the North Bank Border Patrol Unit.
Officials said the individuals were believed to be gathering in preparation for a journey along the so-called “backway” route, a term commonly used in West Africa to describe irregular migration to Europe, often via the Mediterranean Sea.
All 32 individuals have been taken into custody, where they are undergoing profiling, screening, and further investigation, authorities said. The department added that inquiries were continuing to identify possible facilitators of the attempted departure.
According to immigration officials, the group includes 22 Senegalese nationals, six Gambians, two Malians, and two Guineans.
The Immigration Department said it remained committed to disrupting migrant smuggling networks and preventing irregular migration while emphasizing efforts to protect human life and maintain border security.
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