By Kemo Kanyi
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has intercepted 76 intending irregular migrants at Barra and Gunjur-Sambuyaand this included 3 minors.
Inspector Siman Lowe, the Public Relations Officer of The Gambia Immigration Department disclosed that officers in Barra had intercepted 51 suspected irregular immigrants on the 21st of October 2024 from different points.
“Our officers in Barra Immigration Post had intersected 25 suspected immigrants who are believed to have been going towards a departure point to embark on an irregular migration journey. The same day, the Barra Immigration Post intercepted an additional 26 potential immigrants who were also planning to depart from The Gambia,” he informed the press in a briefing held at Tanji Immigration Post on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
He disclosed that officers were also able to seize some materials that were believed to have been transported along by the potential immigrants who were traveling toward a departure point.
“These materials include 48 gallons of 20 liters of fuel, a boat engine marked “YAMAHA” that is presumed to be used on the journey and some food items,” disclosed Inspector Siman Lowe.
He stated that the interceptions were conducted after the officers received information about the immediate potential departure of certain immigrants.
” Precisely along the Gunjur-Sambuya highway, on the 22nd of October, 2024, between 3:15 am. and 4:00 a.m., our officers in Gunjur were able to intercept 25 suspected immigrants in the Gunjur-Sambuya area. We had received a tip-off about irregular migration activities in the area and have taken efforts towards mitigating irregular migration dangers,” he noted.
“The total number of intercepted immigrants is 76, including 3 minors. There are 73 males and 3 females. 68 of the immigrants are Gambians, 2 Senegalese, 2 Guinea Conakry nationals, 2 Guinea Bissau nationals, 1 Nigerian, and 1 Sierra Leonean,” he disclosed.
The Public Relations Officer added that the GID is making sure that its mandate to control, monitor, and regulate the movement of people within The Gambia is promoted.
“The department remains steadfast in making sure that we can mitigate this practice which has kept families heartbroken, left parents childless, and has put us on edge where we have seen Gambians perish at sea,” he assured during the press briefing.
He also informed the press about the challenges of mobility, legal instruments to prosecute the culprits, and the hostilities GID officers faced in carrying out their mandate.
Inspector Lowe called on philanthropists to come to the aid of the GID, especially in terms of mobility to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of his department.