The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) intercepted 62 would-be migrants at Tanji during a night-long operation carried out between 10:00 pm on 5 January and the early hours of 6 January 2026.
The intercepted group included 35 Gambians, 15 Senegalese, 10 Guineans, and 2 Malians.
Officials said the migrants were attempting to leave the country irregularly, likely seeking passage across the sea to Europe.
During the operation, officers encountered resistance from some of the migrants.
Several were reportedly armed with cutlasses, sticks, and iron rods, forcing security personnel to act swiftly to regain control.
Despite the tension, all individuals were safely detained and transported to Tanji for profiling and processing.
Authorities confirmed that all seized exhibits, including the weapons, have been documented and secured.
Investigations are ongoing as the GID works to determine the networks behind the attempted irregular migration.
The operation forms part of broader national efforts to combat migrant smuggling and prevent the dangers associated with irregular migration, which has claimed numerous lives.
