The 76 Suspected Migrants
By Fatou Sillah
The Gambia Immigration Department held a press conference on Tuesday at their office in Tanji to announce the interception of 76 suspected migrants attempting the irregular migration journey, commonly referred to as the “Backway.” During the briefing, PRO Siman Lowe detailed the circumstances surrounding the interceptions.
“On the 21st of October 2024, at around 2 a.m., officers at the Barra immigration post had intercepted 25 suspected immigrants who are believed to have been going towards a departure in the irregular back way, and this interception was conducted after the office had received a tip-off with regard to an immediate potential departure of certain immigrants,” he explained.
“In the same vein, on that particular occasion, the same station in Barra also intercepted 26 suspected migrants within The Gambia who were also departing from the lands of The Gambia to travel to other countries. Within this interception, the officers were able to hold certain materials that were believed to have been transported along while they were traveling. Among these materials included 48 Gallons of 20 liters of fuel that was supposed to be used in this transaction. We also intercepted one boat, a Yamaha Engine, that is presumed to be used in this transaction. The materials also include food items,” he said.
Lowe also reported that 25 suspected migrants were apprehended in the Gunjur Sambuya area.
“In a similar vein, but in a separate venture with regard to our fight against Irregular migration, we had also had interception along the Gunjur Sambuya highway in Gunjur officers yesterday. They had also received a tip-off of activities towards irregular migration, and they had taken efforts towards mitigating the practice. In this interception, which occurred around 3:15 am to 4 a.m., they were able to intercept 25 suspected immigrants in the Gunjur Sambuya area. Among these 25 people, we had 22 Gambians, 1 Senegalese and two from Guinea-Bissau. 24 Male and I female.”
Lowe concluded, “The total interception we have received over the past two days, that is, October 21st at Barra and also October 22nd at Gunjur Sambuya we have been able to at least intercept 76 suspected immigrants from the Gambia looking for a way to be able to transit to other countries, and overall, among these numbers, we have 73 males and 3 females; this number again includes three minors who are involved,” he said.