By Nelson Manneh
In an operation underscoring The Gambia’s ongoing battle against irregular migration, the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has intercepted approximately eighty individuals near Brufut beach as they prepared to embark on a perilous journey by boat to Europe. This latest crackdown comes amid a series of intensified efforts by authorities to disrupt the dangerous “backway” migration route.
According to GID officials, the would-be migrants, whose nationalities have not been fully disclosed, were taken into custody and are currently undergoing processing. Investigations are also underway to identify and apprehend the agents behind the attempted trip.
The operation, conducted on September 26, 2025, by the GID’s Migration Management Unit, resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old Senegalese national, Gora Diop, identified as a key agent orchestrating the journey. “Investigations revealed that Diop, together with an accomplice known as Sheikh Mbaye—both Senegalese nationals—planned to facilitate the illegal departure of more than 80 migrants to the Canary Islands, using The Gambia as a transit point. The two are said to have collected over 3,000,000 CFA from the would-be migrants in The Gambia and Senegal,” the GID said in a statement.
Diop has been cautioned and charged with attempting to commit a felony for his role in recruiting the migrants, while payment was allegedly made for the harbouring of the group at a compound in Brufut. Mbaye remains at large, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate him as the case file progresses to prosecution.
This incident follows a series of recent large-scale interceptions, including the arrest of 46 youths at Lamin Lodge earlier this month and dozens more in Mandinary and other West Coast Region areas. The repeated use of coastal towns for smuggling operations highlights the persistent challenges faced by Gambian authorities in tackling human trafficking and irregular migration.
The GID has reaffirmed its commitment to promote safe, regular, and orderly migration while safeguarding The Gambia’s border management systems. The Department urges communities and individuals to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases of irregular migration.
