By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has intercepted 88 individuals attempting to embark on irregular migration—locally referred to as the “backway”—from Old Yundum. The group was reportedly preparing to travel by sea toward Europe.
The operation was carried out by the GID’s Border Patrol Unit (BPU) based at the Tanji Migration Management Unit (MMU).
According to a statement issued by the department, those intercepted comprised 42 Gambians, 17 Malians, 10 Guineans, 8 Ivorians, 7 Senegalese, 2 Cameroonians, one Central African national, and one Ghanaian. The group included 68 males, 7 females, and 13 minors.
“This operation reaffirms the GID’s firm stance against irregular migration while promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways,” the statement noted.
Authorities have observed a growing trend of foreign nationals being among those intercepted while attempting to use The Gambia—particularly the River Gambia—as a transit route for irregular migration to Europe.
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