“We Sometimes Go into the Field Without Weapons”: Gambia Immigration Officers Exposed to Growing Dangers Amid Irregular Migration Surge

By: Alieu Jallow

As irregular migration continues to surge through The Gambia, patrol teams of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) are facing growing risks, including encounters with armed smugglers while operating without firearms.

During a press briefing at the Migration Management Unit in Tanji on Thursday, November 6th, the Public Relations Officer of the GID, Inspector Siman Lowe, expressed serious concern about the safety of officers stationed along volatile border points and waterways. He revealed that a suspected migrant smuggler was recently arrested with a firearm, heightening calls for the urgent enactment of the GID Bill, which would authorise the arming of border patrol officers.

“The GID Bill provides for the border patrol unit to have side arms to ensure their safety during operations. We sometimes go into the field without weapons, and that poses a real threat to our officers when they engage with armed smugglers. Still, we remain firm in our duty to curb irregular migration,” Inspector Lowe said.

According to the Immigration PRO, two individuals, Ebrima Njie and Abdou Jobe, were apprehended on November 2nd 2025 in possession of radio communication devices and a suspected firearm. The department, unable to verify the authenticity of the weapon, has since handed it over to the police for further examination.

“The individual alleged to have possessed a firearm is currently in custody, along with two other suspected organisers of the irregular migration route. Their cases will be forwarded for prosecution. The police will determine whether the weapon was genuine and what criminal charges may apply,” Lowe explained.

Over the past eleven months, the GID has intercepted 2,041 migrants, including 535 Gambians, 921 Senegalese, and 485 Guineans, among others. Many were reportedly using The Gambia as a transit point en route to Europe, particularly the Canary Islands.

A gender breakdown of the intercepted migrants shows 1,693 males, 348 females, 77 minors, and 21 pregnant women.

Despite the challenges, Inspector Lowe reaffirmed the department’s commitment to tackling irregular migration, noting that their strategy focuses on dismantling smuggling networks before migrants embark on dangerous journeys, rather than intercepting them only at the point of departure.

“We are determined to dismantle the business of irregular migration. Our officers will continue to serve, even under difficult and risky conditions, to safeguard our borders and protect lives,” Lowe said.

 By: Alieu Jallow As irregular migration continues to surge through The Gambia, patrol teams of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) are facing growing risks, including encounters with armed smugglers while operating without firearms. During a press briefing at the Migration Management Unit in Tanji on Thursday, November 6th, the Public Relations Officer of the GID, The Fatu Network