Gambia and Senegal authorities intercept hundreds of suspected irregular migrants

Authorities in The Gambia and Senegal have conducted significant operations targeting irregular migration and human smuggling.

In The Gambia, the Immigration Department (GID) intercepted 229 suspected irregular migrants and arrested eight alleged smugglers and facilitators during two days of operations along the West Coast Region coastline on October 23 and 24, 2026. One operation in Tanji intercepted 45 individuals, including nationals from Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. A separate overnight patrol conducted in collaboration with Spain’s Guardia Civil near the Kartong border post intercepted 184 people, including 15 minors. The Gambia Red Cross Society is providing humanitarian aid to those intercepted in Tanji.

In Senegal, the National Division for the Fight against Migrant Trafficking (DNLT) arrested and referred 28 individuals to the prosecutor's office following nine separate operations across the country. These operations, which included activities in Saint-Louis and Karang, addressed offenses such as maritime migrant trafficking, attempted irregular emigration, fraud, and endangering the lives of others. Some cases also involved charges related to the possession and trafficking of Indian hemp.