The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has recorded multiple successful interceptions of would-be irregular migrants attempting to depart The Gambia for the Canary Islands between 7th and 12th November 2025. Joint operations conducted by the Border Patrol Units of GID and sister security services led to the following outcomes:
On 7th November 2025, the West Coast Border Patrol Unit, in collaboration with the Gunjur and Kartong Immigration Posts, intercepted seventy-three (73) would-be migrants in Batokunku. The group comprised 39 Gambians and 34 Senegalese nationals.
During the operation, officers also apprehended Alieu Njie, the suspected agent, and identified two Senegalese nationals, Mam Cherno and Assan Khan, allegedly involved in facilitating the journey. Both suspects remain at large.
In a similar operation on 9th November 2025, the same patrol unit intercepted six (6) would-be migrants in Gunjur, including the suspected agent Cherno Majou Jallow. Preliminary investigations allege that the trip was organised by a Senegalese national identified as Ameth, who is currently at large.
In a significant intelligence-led joint operation on 8th November 2025, GID, in collaboration with the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and the State Intelligence Service (SIS), disrupted a planned irregular migration route between Jirome and Danka villages in the North Bank Region.
The operation stemmed from a tip-off received on 26th October 2025 regarding preparations for an illegal journey at Balengho Riverside. Through local sources, officers established contact with an alleged agent, Jim Jadama, of Badibu Jimasar. A nearly two-week covert infiltration exercise led to the interception of Jadama and nine (9) suspected migrants camped at Danka Village, approximately 10–12 kilometres off the main highway.
The suspect later led officers to the Jirome riverside, where a boat, two Yamaha engines, and two water-pumping generators were discovered.
On 10th November 2025, the Gambia Police Force handed over six (6) undocumented Senegalese nationals intercepted during a night patrol. Their accounts did not indicate any intent to embark on an irregular migration journey. Appropriate documentation procedures were conducted to determine their legal status in the country.
In a major operation on 12th November 2025, the North Bank Border Patrol Unit, in collaboration with SIS, intercepted one hundred (100) would-be migrants at Kanuma in Niumi. The group comprised 11 Gambians, 10 Senegalese, 75 Guineans, and individuals of other nationalities. Notably, the gender and age breakdown revealed 77 females, 23 males, and 8 minors.
Preliminary findings suggest that the migrants were recruited in Senegal and The Gambia by a Senegalese agent who facilitated the entry of the non-Gambian nationals and arranged their harbouring in a residence belonging to Samsideen Joof, with support from Assan Gaye. The principal suspect is currently at large as investigations continue.
These successful operations highlight the strength of inter-agency collaboration in combating human smuggling networks. In total, 193 potential migrants were prevented from undertaking life-threatening journeys across the sea. The GID reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding lives, upholding national security, and strengthening partnerships with security institutions to combat irregular migration.
About the Author
