By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID), through its Migration Management Unit, has intercepted 80 individuals attempting irregular migration, commonly referred to as the “backway,” during an operation carried out in Brufut on September 26, 2025.
The operation led to the arrest of 34-year-old Senegalese national, Gora Diop, who is alleged to be one of the agents coordinating the journey. According to GID, Diop and his accomplice, Sheikh Mbaye, had planned to smuggle more than 80 migrants to the Canary Islands using The Gambia as a transit route.
Investigators revealed that the duo had reportedly collected over 3,000,000 CFA from migrants in both The Gambia and Senegal in exchange for facilitating the trip.
“The duo reportedly collected over 3,000,000 CFA from migrants in both The Gambia and Senegal,” GID stated.
Diop has since been cautioned and charged with attempting to commit a felony, including recruiting migrants, collecting payments, and harboring them in a Brufut compound. Meanwhile, Mbaye remains at large, with GID confirming that efforts are underway to track him down as the case proceeds to prosecution.
Reaffirming its stance, GID stressed its commitment to promoting safe, regular, and orderly migration while safeguarding the country’s border management systems. The department further called on communities and individuals to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected cases of irregular migration.