By Biran Gaye
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has apprehended two suspected migrant smugglers in what officials described as a major breakthrough in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration networks. The suspects—identified as Lamin Jawara and Lamin Jammeh—were arrested in Jambur for allegedly recruiting and collecting money from Gambians attempting to travel to Europe via the dangerous Mediterranean route.
Announcing the arrests at a press conference on Monday, May 6, GID Deputy Public Relations Officer Inspector Sulayman Sambou said the suspects had recently organized a migration attempt, charging between D30,000 and D50,000 from each prospective migrant. “The suspects were involved in gathering would-be irregular migrants and facilitating their departure,” he told reporters.
The arrest underscores the critical role of surveillance and intelligence in dismantling smuggling operations. Despite the GID’s efforts, The Gambia has seen relatively few prosecutions of migrant smugglers, a situation experts attribute to gaps in the existing legal framework. The long-awaited Immigration Bill, which seeks to criminalize migrant smuggling, remains stalled in the legislative process, limiting law enforcement’s ability to effectively charge and convict perpetrators.
Due to its geographic location—surrounded by Senegal and near key migration corridors—The Gambia continues to serve as a transit point for migrants from across West Africa attempting the perilous journey to Europe through the Sahara Desert and across the Mediterranean Sea.
Meanwhile, the GID confirmed the repatriation of 27 undocumented Gambian nationals from Mauritania on May 4, 2025. The returnees were received at the Amdalai Immigration Border Post by officials including Mr. Saikouba Jarjou, the Deputy Head of Mission in Mauritania.
“These returnees could not access the mobile enrolment services during the deployment period, making them undocumented,” the department noted. The individuals were processed at the Immigration processing center in Tanji before reuniting with their families.
Commenting on immigration policies, GID Director General Ebrima Mboob emphasized the importance of meeting legal residency requirements in foreign countries. “In Mauritania, for instance, applying for naturalization requires two character references in writing,” he explained.
The GID urges citizens to refrain from using irregular migration channels and has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on smuggling networks operating within and outside Gambian borders.
