By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department said it intercepted 19 Gambian men in Batokunku, West Coast Region, on Thursday as part of an operation aimed at curbing irregular migration.
The operation, carried out on Aug. 20 by officers from the department’s Tanji Migration Management and Border Patrol units, found the men sheltering at a residential property in the village, according to the department. All 19 were adults.
The department did not provide details about the group’s intended destination or say whether any arrests had been made in connection with the operation.
In a statement, the Immigration Department expressed concern about what it described as the use of private residences to accommodate people preparing to embark on irregular migration journeys.
“The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) is aware of and concerned about the practice of landlords and property owners harbouring or accommodating potential irregular migrants in residential premises,” the statement said.
The department warned that such practices could complicate efforts to monitor irregular migration and pose challenges to community security and surveillance.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving people whose presence or residential circumstances may raise concerns.
The department said tackling irregular migration and strengthening national security required cooperation between authorities, communities, and other stakeholders.
GID reaffirmed its commitment to combating irregular migration and strengthening border management and migration governance across the country.
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