Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Gambia Police Force has arrested 89 suspected irregular migrants, all believed to be foreign nationals, during a targeted night operation in the North Bank Region aimed at dismantling networks linked to illegal migration.
The Anti-Crime Unit Sub-Base in Barra carried out the operation on the night of February 16, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and related criminal activities along the country’s coastal corridor.
The patrol, led by Inspector RSM M. Corr, covered the settlements of Barra, Essau, and Sami. Police said the intervention followed credible intelligence about suspicious gatherings in Sami believed to be connected to preparations for irregular migration.
Officers responded to a compound where a group of individuals had assembled under circumstances authorities described as suspicious. Upon the arrival of the police, some individuals fled, but 89 people were apprehended and transported to the Essau Model Police Station for screening and processing.
According to preliminary findings, those arrested are foreign nationals from various West African countries.
Police also seized several items believed to be associated with the group, including 57 smartphones, three basic mobile phones, nine power banks, and one Bluetooth speaker. The items have been secured as part of ongoing investigations.
Authorities said all individuals are currently undergoing verification procedures. Those confirmed to be migrants will be handed over to the Gambia Immigration Department for administrative action in line with immigration laws.
Police added that investigations are continuing to identify and arrest suspected agents or facilitators believed to be organizing or enabling irregular migration attempts.
The Gambia has long served as a key departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe through the Atlantic route, often using boats from coastal communities such as Barra.
The police commended residents of the North Bank Region for their cooperation and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the emergency number 9968885.
Authorities say the latest operation forms part of broader efforts to prevent dangerous migration journeys and dismantle trafficking networks that expose migrants to significant risks at sea.
