The North Bank Region (NBR) border patrol unit of Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has intercepted 29 suspected would-be irregular migrants of different nationalities in a coordinated operation across Barra and nearby communities since Monday 17 March 2025.
Inspector Siman Lowe, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of GID, said the intercepted would-be migrants consisted of 17 Senegalese, 8 Gambians, 4 Conakry Guineans, and 1 Malian, while key suspects have been taken into custody.
GID PRO Lowe added that Lamin Jammeh, a Senegalese national, was arrested at Barra, confessing as a sub-agent. “Jammeh led GID officials to three suspected migrants along the Essau highway,” he informed.
According to him, in Mbankam village, officers apprehended the main agent, Abdoulie Jahateh (commonly called Papa Lie).
“Jahateh disclosed that more migrants were in Bakalarr village, under the custody of Alfousainey Sonko, a self-proclaimed marabout. Sonko was found harbouring 13 suspected migrants,” he said.
He further mentioned that Pateh Sarr, a known boat builder from Barra, was questioned about the intended wooden boat, which was later found unfinished.
However, he said, the GID extends its appreciation to the communities for their continuous support and reaffirms its commitment to combating irregular migration while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Gambian citizens.
