By Buba Gagigo
Gambian immigration authorities announced the interception of more than 300 migrants throughout March, marking a significant crackdown on irregular migration from the country.
The most substantial interception occurred on March 3, when authorities discovered an abandoned migrant boat near Bijilo Beach, behind Monkey Park. According to the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), the boat had departed from The Gambia, picked up additional migrants in Senegal, and traveled as far as St. Louis before experiencing an engine failure that forced its occupants to return.
“Over 200 migrants travelled 4 days at sea. Upon arrival, they rushed those sick and injured to local Hospitals. After medical attention, 21 would-be migrants were picked up for investigation,” GID explained.
Two Gambian nationals, Alhagie Top and Ebrima Saidy, were identified as key agents behind the failed journey. The primary organizer of the trip, however, was Muhammed Jagne, a Senegalese national. Authorities also reported finding a deceased individual aboard the boat, whose body was turned over to the police for f
urther investigation.
“One dead body was found in the boat and handed over to the police for further investigation,” GID explained.
In a separate operation on March 17, the North Bank Region Border Patrol Unit intercepted 30 suspected irregular migrants across Barra and neighboring communities. The group included 17 Senegalese nationals, 8 Gambians, 4 Guineans, and 1 Malian, according to the GID.
“The NBR Border Patrol Unit intercepted 30suspected would-be irregular migrants of different nationalities in a coordinated operation across Barra and nearby communities on Monday, 17th March 2025. Nationality aggregation: Senegalese 17, Gambian 8, Guineans 4, Malian 1,” they explained.
One suspect, Lamin Jammeh, a Senegalese national, was arrested at the Barra car park with 74,000 dalasis. He confessed to acting as a sub-agent and led authorities to three other migrants along the Essau highway. In the village of Mbankam, Abdoulie Jahateh (alias Papa Lie) was apprehended with 1,335,000 CFA francs and several migrants. Jahateh revealed that more migrants were being sheltered by Alfousainey Sonko, a self-proclaimed marabout in Bakalarr village. Sonko was found harboring 13 migrants but was later released on bail.
Additionally, authorities questioned Pateh Sarr, a boat builder from Barra, regarding an unfinished vessel believed to be linked to the migrant smuggling operation. The boat was subsequently seized by immigration officials.
“Jahateh disclosed that more migrants were in Bakalarr village, under the custody of Alfousainey Sonko, a self-proclaimed marabout. Sonko was found harbouring 13 migrants. Both were released on bail. Pateh Sarr, a known boat builder from Barra, was questioned about the intended vessel, which was later found unfinished. The boat has been seized. The GID extends its appreciation to the communities for their continuous support and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to curbing irregular migration while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Gambian citizens. Further investigations are ongoing,” GID said in a statement.
In a third operation, on March 21, GID officials, acting on a tip-off, intercepted 75 would-be migrants at a three-bedroom apartment in Yarambamba. The group included 34 Senegalese, 35 Guineans, 4 Gambians, and 2 Bissau-Guineans, with 12 women and 4 minors. The apartment had been rented by Abdoulaye Diop, a Senegalese national, who is under investigation for his involvement in the operation.
“Acting on a tip-off received on 20th March 2025, regarding unusual movements in Yarambamba (985+RV3, Old Yundum), GID Officers conducted a successful surveillance and intelligence gathering operation, leading to the successful interception of the group. Over 75 would-be migrants were harboured in a three-bedroom apartment,” GID said.
The GID praised the community’s vigilance and cooperation in these efforts, reiterating its commitment to preventing irregular migration and protecting the lives and livelihoods of Gambian citizens. Further investigations into all incidents are ongoing.