The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) held a press conference at the Immigration Training School in Tanji to discuss the recent interception of migrant boats. Inspector Siman Lowe, the Public Relations Officer, provided details of the incidents.
On March 3, 2025, a suspected abandoned boat was discovered along Bijilo Beach. The boat is believed to have departed from The Gambia to Senegal, where it picked up migrants. After leaving Senegal, the boat headed towards Saint Louis but experienced engine failure, forcing them to return to The Gambia. The migrants spent four days at sea before arriving back in The Gambia, with many found to be sick and injured.
“Upon receiving information about the case, GID officers visited the hospital where 21 out of 200 migrants required medical attention. Two Gambians were identified as perpetrators, while the main organizer is alleged to be a Senegalese national named Muhammed Jange. Tragically, a deceased body was also found inside the boat. The 200 migrants were not all found at the vehicle as some of them left before officers arrived. The 21 migrants who were hospitalized were the ones in custody” said PRO
In a separate incident, the NBR board patrol unit intercepted 30 suspected migrants in Barra. Among them were 17 Senegalese nationals, 8 Gambians, 4 Guinean nationals, and 1 Malian. During the investigation, Lamin Jammeh, a Senegalese national, was arrested at Barra car park with D74,000 in cash. He confessed to acting as a sub-agent and led GID officers to other suspected migrants involved in the situation.
On March 21st, 2025, Gambian immigration officials, together with other security services , intercepted 75 migrants in Yarambamba, including 34 Senegalese, 35 Guineans, 4 Gambians, and 2 Bissau Guineans, including 63 Males, 12 females, and 4 minors The migrants were being housed in a compound rented by a Senegalese national, Abdoulaye Diop .The Gambia Immigration Department is currently investigating the situations
It is our duty to protect our borders and ensure that migrants are treated humanely.” – said Inspector Siman Lowe, Public Relations Officer, Gambia Immigration Department.
The press conference highlighted the ongoing challenges related to migration in the region. The GID continues to work diligently to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of migrants.
