By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Authorities intensify operations as perilous illegal migration routes claim more lives

The growing menace of illegal migration through dangerous sea routes has once again come under the spotlight, as the Government of The Gambia intensifies efforts to curb the so-called “backway” journey to Europe—a voyage that has cost countless lives in the treacherous Atlantic waters.

The Government of The Gambia has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in the number of people attempting to migrate illegally to Europe by sea, using the country as a launch point. In response, special operation teams under the Ministry of Interior have been activated to decisively tackle the situation.

Through coordinated, intelligence-led enforcement operations, the Gambia Immigration Department, in collaboration with the Gambia Police Force, targeted identified hotspot areas across the country. These operations led to the interception of 782 intending migrants and the arrest of four suspected organisers believed to be involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The intercepted migrants comprise nationals from several West African countries, including 233 Senegalese, 197 Gambians, 176 Guineans, 148 Malians, 16 Ivorians, six Nigerians, two Mauritanians, and one each from Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Ghana.

Authorities have commended the vigilance and cooperation of members of the public whose timely information played a crucial role in the successful interceptions. The Ministry of Interior noted that this level of civic responsibility demonstrates a strong national spirit and collective resolve to confront emerging social challenges and criminal networks that prey on vulnerable individuals.

Meanwhile, rescue and investigation efforts continue following the tragic boat capsizing incident of 1 January 2026. Authorities say work is ongoing to account for all those involved and to provide support to affected families, as the nation mourns yet another painful reminder of the deadly risks associated with illegal sea migration.

The Ministry, however, strongly condemned the indiscriminate circulation of graphic images of deceased victims without the consent of their families, describing the act as insensitive and inhumane. Both the media and the public have been warned to immediately desist from such practices.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding national security, the Government praised the dedication of security forces on the frontline and reiterated its resolve to dismantle illegal migration networks. The public has once again been urged to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.

As the crackdown continues, authorities stress that no dream of a better life is worth the deadly gamble of the backway journey—a path increasingly marked by tragedy, loss, and heartbreak.