By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department said it had intercepted 27 people attempting to travel irregularly toward Europe through the River Gambia corridor at the Barra–Jinack crossing point on April 26, 2026.
In a statement, the department said the group comprised 16 adults and 11 minors. Officials added that the individuals were being held at the Barra Immigration Post, where they are undergoing profiling and preliminary investigations.
The operation underscores ongoing efforts by the Gambia Immigration Department to curb so-called “backway” migration routes, a term commonly used to describe irregular journeys from West Africa toward Europe via the Atlantic or Sahara corridors.
Despite sustained enforcement campaigns and public awareness efforts, irregular migration continues to pose a persistent challenge in The Gambia, driven by a mix of economic pressures, unemployment, and limited opportunities for young people.
Authorities say they remain committed to disrupting trafficking networks and deterring risky migration attempts, even as departures along riverine and coastal routes continue to surface intermittently.
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