By Seedy Jobe
The Gambia Police Force (GPF) said its Anti-Crime Unit in Barra intercepted 30 people during a targeted operation in the North Bank Region on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to curb irregular migration and related unlawful activities.
In a statement, the GPF said the early morning operation was conducted jointly with the Gambia Immigration Department following a coordinated intelligence assessment of suspected movements in the Nuimi Lamin area.
The operation was led by Sergeant Abdou Jallow of the Anti-Crime Unit alongside DSI Gibba, Officer Commanding of Barra Immigration. Upon arrival at the identified location, several individuals reportedly fled, but officers apprehended 30 people who were subsequently transported to the Essau Model Police Station for screening and verification.
Preliminary checks indicate that those detained include nationals from The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, and Côte d’Ivoire, according to the police statement.
“All individuals underwent due verification procedures. Those confirmed as migrants were subsequently handed over to the Gambia Immigration Department in Barra for appropriate administrative action in accordance with immigration laws,” the statement said.
The police added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend agents or facilitators suspected of organizing or enabling irregular migration.
“The operation reflects the Gambia Police Force’s sustained strategy to disrupt irregular migration networks, strengthen border security, and safeguard vulnerable individuals from undertaking dangerous journeys,” the statement noted.
The Force also commended residents of the North Bank Region for their continued cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property through coordinated, intelligence-led policing.
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