By Fatou Bojang
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has ramped up its efforts to combat irregular migration, successfully intercepting multiple groups of would-be migrants in recent weeks. Notably, they discovered an abandoned boat carrying over 200 migrants along Bijilo Beach and executed a coordinated operation that apprehended 105 additional individuals in various locations.
GID has underscored the urgent and escalating challenge of irregular migration in the region through significant operations. On March 3, 2025, authorities found a suspected migrant boat abandoned at Bijilo Beach, which had reportedly set sail with over 200 migrants from The Gambia, intending to reach Saint Louis via Senegal.
The vessel suffered engine failure, compelling the migrants to abandon their journey after spending four harrowing days at sea. Upon their return, many were in poor health and required immediate medical attention. Subsequently, twenty-one individuals were detained for investigation, and one deceased body recovered from the boat.
The GID identified two Gambian nationals, Alhagie Top and Ebrima Saidy, as the primary agents involved in organizing the journey. They were joined by a Senegalese national, Muhammed Jagne, who is believed to be the main orchestrator of the operation.
Additionally, a separate operation on March 17, 2025, conducted by the North Bank Region (NBR) Border Patrol Unit, resulted in the interception of 30 suspected irregular migrants of various nationalities, which included 17 Senegalese, 8 Gambians, 4 Guineans, and 1 Malian. In a related effort across Barra and nearby communities, key suspect Lamin Jammeh, a Senegalese national, was arrested at the Barra car park with D74,000 in cash. He confessed to his role as a sub-agent, leading authorities to further suspects.
The investigation revealed that the primary suspect, Abdoulie Jahateh, also known as Papa Lie, was apprehended in Mbankam village while in possession of CFA 1,335,000 and several migrants. Jahateh revealed that additional migrants were being held in Bakalarr village under the supervision of Alfousainey Sonko, a self-proclaimed marabout. Sonko was found harboring 13 migrants but was later released on bail. Pateh Sarr, a known boat builder from Barra, was questioned about an unfinished vessel believed to be intended for smuggling; authorities have since seized this vessel.
In a separate operation on March 21, 2025, GID officials, in collaboration with other security services, intercepted 75 would-be migrants in a three-bedroom apartment in Yarambamba. The group consisted of 34 Senegalese, 35 Guineans, 4 Gambians, and 2 Bissau-Guineans, totaling 63 males, 12 females, and four minors. The migrants were found in a compound allegedly rented by Senegalese national Abdoulaye Diop, who is now under investigation.
GID has expressed gratitude to the communities for their support and emphasized the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to combat irregular migration effectively. During a press conference, Inspector Siman Lowe, the GID’s Public Relations Officer, stated, “We must protect our borders and ensure that migrants are treated humanely.” He reiterated the GID’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Gambian citizens while addressing the ongoing challenges related to migration in the region.
The GID has acknowledged support from several partners, including the Cop Gambia Project, the Guardia Civil, the Gambia Navy, the Gambia Police Force, and the Gambia Red Cross Society. They have called for community support and intelligence sharing in the fight against human trafficking.
As legislative efforts continue, including the approval of the Immigration Bill 2023, which criminalizes the smuggling of migrants, the GID is committed to enhancing its operations to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure the safety of Gambian borders.
