By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) and Spain’s Guardia Civil commenced a day-long joint training program on June 8, 2026, marking a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation in addressing the growing challenge of irregular migration.
The training, held at the GID’s training school in Tanji, was organized by the department’s Risk Analysis Cell (RAC) within its Intelligence Unit, in partnership with the Guardia Civil Regional Coordination Centre in the Canary Islands. A total of fifteen Gambian immigration officers and five Guardia Civil personnel participated in the session, which centered on equipping frontline officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard the lives and property of migrants at sea.
Commissioner Omar F. Saidykhan, Coordinator of the Border Patrol Unit, praised the Spanish government for spearheading the initiative. He described the training as highly relevant to the work of immigration officers and expressed confidence that it would meaningfully enhance the department’s capacity to manage irregular migration.
Captain Antonio Fresneda, the Guardia Civil’s lead representative in The Gambia, highlighted the notable increase in successful interceptions recorded in the country, attributing progress in part to the sustained collaboration between the two agencies. He emphasized that continued partnership between the Guardia Civil and GID remains essential to effectively curbing irregular migration flows.
The program incorporated practical sessions and structured presentations drawing on the outcomes of previous joint operations. Both parties concluded the training by reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing coordinated efforts to address the complex issue of irregular migration.
Comments are closed.