By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has intercepted 81 suspected would-be migrants and arrested two alleged migrant traffickers in separate operations in Brufut and Kuntaya Village, as authorities intensify efforts to combat irregular migration.
In a statement, the department said its Border Patrol Unit, working alongside the Migration Management Unit stationed in Tanji, conducted an operation in Brufut that resulted in the interception of 58 suspected migrants.
Two individuals suspected of facilitating irregular migration were also arrested to assist investigators, according to the department.
The GID said those intercepted in Brufut included 38 Gambians, 11 Senegalese, and nine Guineans. The group was reported to comprise 40 males, seven females, and 10 minors.
In a separate operation in Kuntaya Village, immigration officers intercepted 23 suspected would-be migrants during a joint exercise involving the Border Patrol Unit and the Migration Management Unit stationed in Barra.
According to the department, the group included nine Gambians, four Malians, three Sierra Leoneans, three Guineans, one Nigerian, and one Senegalese. Of those intercepted, 19 were male and four were female.
“The suspected would-be migrants are currently at the Barra Immigration Office for profiling and further processing,” the department said.
The GID described the operations as part of its continuing efforts to curb irregular migration and protect vulnerable individuals from the dangers associated with unauthorized migration routes.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border management, preventing migrant trafficking and safeguarding lives through coordinated enforcement operations.
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