Gambiaj.com – (BATOKUNKU, The Gambia) – The Migration Management Unit of The Gambia Immigration Department (GID-MMU) intercepted 82 suspected would-be migrants and arrested two alleged organizers in Batokunku, Kombo South, on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
According to an Immigration police statement, two Senegalese nationals, Abdou Diouf and Ibrahima Ndiaye, were arrested as a result of the operation, which was conducted by the Border Patrol Units in cooperation with partners. They are suspected of planning the smuggling attempt.
The migrants included 51 Gambians, 30 Senegalese, and one Guinean, all of whom were transported to the Tanji Migration Management Centre for questioning and further investigation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the organizers had harbored around 200 migrants for nearly two weeks at Joof’s residence in Gunjur, allegedly charging fees ranging between 200,000 and 400,000 CFA francs and GMD 50,000 per person for the attempted sea journey.
During the interception, Joof was reportedly transporting some migrants from the Tanji Fish Market to Batokunku in a modified Ford pickup truck driven by Modou Mbaye, a Gambian national.
Officers recovered seven radio communication sets and a suspected fully loaded revolver pistol from the vehicle. The items are now secured at the Centre for detailed investigation.
Further inquiries have established that the radio sets belong to another Gambian national, Modou Cham. Additionally, officers seized a large wooden boat with an estimated capacity of about 300 people at Tanji Beach, believed to have been prepared for the illegal voyage.
The GID confirmed that all suspected organisers have been arrested, cautioned, and charged, pending prosecution. The suspect found in possession of the firearm, Abdou Diouf, will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and possible criminal charges.
In a statement, the GID reiterated its commitment to combating irregular migration and urged lawmakers to fast-track the enactment of the pending Immigration Bill, which seeks to strengthen operational capacity, criminalize migrant smuggling, and enhance the protection of frontline officers engaged in anti-smuggling operations.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to combating irregular migration and promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration,” the department said.
