The Gambia Navy on the evening of Friday 27 March 2026 foiled an attempted irregular migration within The Gambia’s territorial waters near Pirang. The naval personnel intercepted a vessel carrying 51 individuals who were attempting to undertake the dangerous sea journey at approximately 1800 hours. The operation forms part of robust efforts to curb illegal migration and safeguard the country’s maritime domain.
The suspected migrant group comprised 35 males and 16 females, including 1 minor. Preliminary screening indicates that the migrants include 42 Gambian nationals and 9 Senegalese.
Upon interception, the Navy secured the individuals and ensured their safe custody and subsequently handing them over to the relevant national authorities for the required screening and processing in line with established migration management procedures.
The operation highlights the Gambia Armed Forces’ continued vigilance and commitment to protecting the nation’s territorial waters, while also supporting broader national and regional efforts to address irregular migration and related transnational challenges.
The Gambia Armed Forces would like to strongly advice that irregular migration by sea remains extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Many migrants risk their lives on overcrowded boats and often fall prey to human traffickers and smugglers. The public, particularly young people, are therefore strongly urged to avoid such perilous journeys and to seek safer and lawful means of traveling.
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