In a swift overnight operation, Gambian security agencies intercepted a large group of 110 suspected irregular migrants poised to embark on the perilous “Back Way” journey to Europe, authorities announced Friday.
Acting on credible intelligence received late Thursday, February 12, the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) mobilized a joint task force that included personnel from Bulock and Kafuta Tumbung military posts, the State Intelligence Service (SIS), the Gambia Immigration Department’s Irregular Migrant Unit, and officers from the Gambia Police Force—encompassing both the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and general duty personnel.
The combined team assembled at Bulock Police Post before moving under the cover of darkness into a forested area behind Sanyangha Village. Local villagers provided crucial support and cooperation, enabling security forces to apprehend 87 individuals during the initial sweep. The group consisted of 68 males and 19 females across various age groups.
In the early hours of Friday, an additional 24 people—14 adult males, 6 adult females, and 3 minors—emerged from the bush and voluntarily surrendered to community members. Authorities also detained a suspected Ivorian national believed to be facilitating the operation, who was spotted moving suspiciously near the forest.
A follow-up search-and-sweep operation raised the total to 110 detained individuals: 87 males and 23 females. Preliminary screening revealed the majority were foreign nationals, including 57 Malians, 27 Senegalese, 13 Ivorians, 6 Guineans (Conakry), 2 Burkinabè, 1 Sierra Leonean, 1 Mauritanian, and 3 Gambians.
Investigators determined the group had gathered in the remote location in preparation for an irregular sea crossing toward Europe via the well-known “Back Way” route—a path notorious for its high risks of drowning, exploitation, and abuse.
All detainees have been transferred to the Gambia Immigration Department for detailed screening, profiling, and processing in accordance with national immigration laws.
The Gambia Armed Forces, alongside partner agencies, reiterated their resolve to maintain intensified joint patrols and intelligence-led operations. Officials emphasized that such efforts are vital to disrupting smuggling networks, bolstering national security, and shielding vulnerable migrants from the deadly hazards of unauthorized migration routes.
