The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) recorded an interception of 62 would-be migrants who were abandoned at Lamin Lodge by a wooden migrant boat that departed Gambian shores carrying more than two hundred (200) Gambians, Senegalese and other nationals.
A total of 49 would-be migrants were handed over to the GID by officers of Banjulinding Police Station, and 17 others subsequently intercepted by the GID Patrol Unit at Lamin Lodge. The migrants comprised 38 Gambians, 22 Senegalese, one Guinean, and one Bissau-Guinean.
Investigations revealed that the individuals were recruited in The Gambia and Senegal and gathered near Lamin Lodge between 26th August and 5th September 2025. The alleged organisers, identified as Mr. Krubally, a Malian residing in Cassamance; Mr. Maissa, a Senegalese; Ousman, a Gambian; Muhammed Jon, a Senegalese; and Aly, a Senegalese, reportedly boarded the boat and departed the country.
Findings further established that the recruited migrants were ferried in taxi boats to a larger wooden vessel anchored in the Lamin River mangroves around 20:00 hrs. However, the organisers were unable to transport all the recruits, leading to a commotion and the eventual abandonment of the 62 intercepted migrants. Migrants disclosed that they each paid between CFA 200,000 and CFA 800,000, or between GMD 25,000 and GMD 75,000.
Meanwhile, the GID has formally communicated with the Senegalese authorities regarding the departed boat and its passengers. The Department calls on Gambians, particularly those residing in coastal communities, to remain vigilant and report any unusual activities within their surroundings. Combating irregular migration requires a collective effort and a spirit of humanity to save lives and protect Gambian citizens.
The GID reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting citizens, and working with regional and international partners to curb irregular migration and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
