By: Isatou Sarr
Nine suspected irregular migrants have been intercepted by the Anti-Crime Unit police disclosed yesterday.
The arrest followed credible intelligence about suspicious gatherings at a compound in Essau Sami, North Bank Region.
According to the Gambia Police Force (GPF), Anti-Crime Unit sub-base in Barra, North Bank Region conducted a targeted night operation on Monday, February 23, as part of on-going intelligence-led efforts to combat irregular migration and related unlawful activities.
The GPF disclosed that the operation was led by Inspector RSM M. Corr following credible intelligence about suspicious gatherings at a compound in Essau Sami. According to the GPF, several individuals fled upon the arrival of officers, but nine (9) persons were apprehended and taken to Essau Model Police Station for screening and verification.
The GPF stated that preliminary checks revealed the group included nationals from neighbouring West African countries, notably Guinea Conakry and Senegal.
The GPF confirmed that all intercepted individuals underwent verification procedures and were confirmed to be migrants.
They remain in temporary custody at Essau Model Police Station pending formal handover to the Gambia Immigration Department in Barra for administrative processing in line with national immigration laws.
In a statement, the GPF indicated that investigations are on-going to identify and apprehend any agent or facilitators suspected of organizing or enabling irregular migration activities.
The police highlighted that this operation formed part of the Force’s broader strategy to disrupt irregular migration networks, strengthen border security, and safeguard vulnerable individuals from life-threatening journeys.
The GPF commended the continued cooperation of local communities in the North Bank Region, emphasising that intelligence sharing remains critical to the success of such operations.
The Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property through coordinated, intelligence-led policing.