By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) said it intercepted 91 people attempting to undertake irregular migration and detained four suspected migrant smugglers during an operation in Tanji carried out by its Border Patrol Unit under the Tanji Migration Management Unit.
In a statement, the department said the group consisted of 22 Gambians, 63 Senegalese, and six Guinean nationals. Those intercepted included 41 men, 37 women, and 13 minors.
The four suspected smugglers are in the custody of the Gambia Immigration Department and are being questioned as investigations continue, the department said.
The operation forms part of the GID’s ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and disrupt migrant smuggling networks operating along The Gambia’s coastline, which has long served as a departure point for people attempting the dangerous “backway” journey to Europe.
The department said the latest interception reflects its continued commitment to enforcing the country’s immigration laws while promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in accordance with national legislation and international best practices.
Authorities did not immediately provide additional details on the intended destination of the migrants or indicate whether further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
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