By Nelson Manneh
On Friday, 5th September 2025, the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) intercepted 62 would-be migrants who were left stranded at Lamin Lodge after a migrant boat departed Gambian shores carrying more than 200 individuals, including Gambians, Senegalese, and other nationals.
Siman Lowe, Public Relations Officer of the GID, informed the media that 49 would-be migrants were handed over to the GID by officers at Banjulinding Police Station, while 17 others were intercepted by the GID Patrol Unit at Lamin Lodge. The intercepted group comprised 38 Gambians, 22 Senegalese, one Guinean, and one Bissau-Guinean. According to Mr. Lowe, investigations revealed that the migrants were recruited in The Gambia and Senegal and had gathered near Lamin Lodge between 26th August and 5th September 2025.
Authorities have identified several organisers behind the operation, including a Malian resident in Cassamance known as Mr. Krubally, along with Maissa, Ousman, Muhammed Jon, and Aly—individuals from Senegal and The Gambia. These organisers reportedly boarded the migrant vessel and departed the country, leaving 62 recruits behind.
Mr. Lowe explained that the migrants were transported via taxi boats to a larger wooden boat anchored in the Lamin mangroves at around 8:00 p.m. However, the organisers were unable to accommodate all the recruits, resulting in confusion and the eventual abandonment of the 62 migrants. The stranded individuals reported paying between GMD 25,000 and GMD 75,000 each, hoping to secure passage on the vessel.
The GID has since notified Senegalese authorities about the departed boat and its passengers. Mr. Lowe urged all Gambians, especially those in coastal communities, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that combating irregular migration requires collective effort and a sense of humanity to save lives and protect Gambian citizens.
“The GID once again reaffirms its commitment to safeguard the nation’s borders, protect the citizenry, and work with regional and international partners to curb irregular migration and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” Mr. Lowe stated.
