By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department said it intercepted 101 people suspected of attempting to migrate irregularly through the country’s perilous “backway” route during an operation in Mandinaba on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The operation, carried out by officers from the department’s Mandinaba post, also resulted in the arrest of a suspected migrant smuggler and the recovery of a boat engine, according to a statement from the department.
The suspected smuggler remains in custody and is assisting investigators, the department said. It did not disclose the suspect’s identity or provide further details about the circumstances of the arrest.
Of the 101 people intercepted, 84 were Senegalese, 16 were Gambian, and one was Ivorian, according to the statement. The group included 88 males, four females, and nine minors.
The department did not say where the group was believed to be headed or provide details about the planned journey.
The operation comes as Gambian authorities continue efforts to curb irregular migration, commonly known in the country as the “backway,” a term widely used to describe journeys undertaken outside regular migration channels, often in an attempt to reach Europe.
The Immigration Department appealed to the public to provide authorities with timely and credible information about suspected irregular migration activities.
“GID calls on the public to support national efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspected irregular migration activities,” the department said.
The agency said it would continue working with other security services, local communities, and relevant stakeholders to combat migrant smuggling and irregular migration.
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