By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has intercepted 102 suspected irregular migrants in separate operations conducted in Brufut, Batokunku, and Jarra Japineh as part of its ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and dismantle migrant-smuggling networks.
According to a statement issued by the department, the operations were carried out by its Migration Management and Border Patrol Units in collaboration with local and international partners, with support from community members.
The department said those intercepted included 52 Gambians, 28 Senegalese, 16 Guineans, three Afghans, two Nigerians, and one Cameroonian.
GID also reported that the group included 84 males and 13 females, among them 19 minors. However, the gender breakdown accounts for only 97 of the 102 individuals, leaving five unaccounted for in the figures provided.
The department said investigations were underway to identify those responsible for organizing the suspected irregular migration attempts and dismantle any networks involved, in accordance with its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Framework.
“Currently, the intercepted migrants and a suspected agent are being held at the Migration Management Unit for profiling,” the department stated.
GID did not disclose the dates of the operations or provide details about the circumstances surrounding the interceptions. It also did not indicate whether the suspected migrants were preparing to depart by sea or travel through overland routes.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to combating irregular migration through coordinated enforcement operations, intelligence gathering, and cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
It also acknowledged the contributions of national and international partners, particularly local communities, whose collaboration it said remains essential to efforts to prevent irregular migration and disrupt suspected smuggling activities.
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