GAMBIA NAVY FOILS IRREGULAR MIGRATION ATTEMPT, INTERCEPTS 75 SUSPECTED MIGRANTS AT SEA

The Gambia Navy on Friday morning foiled an attempted irregular migration within The Gambia’s territorial waters near Dog Island. The naval personnel intercepted a vessel carrying 75 individuals who were attempting to undertake the dangerous sea journey at approximately 0900 hours. The operation forms part of robust efforts to curb illegal migration and safeguard the country’s maritime domain.

The suspected migrant group comprised 70 males and 5 females, drawn from several West African countries. Preliminary screening indicates that the migrants include 5 Gambian nationals, 22 Senegalese, 3 Guineans (Conakry), 3 Ivorians, and 42 Malians.

Upon interception, the Navy secured the individuals and ensured their safe custody and subsequently handing them over to the relevant national authorities for the required screening and processing in line with established migration management procedures.

The operation highlights the Gambia Armed Forces’ continued vigilance and commitment to protecting the nation’s territorial waters, while also supporting broader national and regional efforts to address irregular migration and related transnational challenges.

The Gambia Armed Forces would like to strongly advice that irregular migration by sea remains extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Many migrants risk their lives on overcrowded boats and often fall prey to human traffickers and smugglers. The public, particularly young people, are therefore strongly urged to avoid such perilous journeys and to seek safer and lawful opportunities.

Source : Gambia Armed Forces