Dakar Buzz, Senegal’s National Division for the Fight against Migrant Smuggling and Related Practices (DNLT) confirmed that seven individuals were arrested in connection with the incident. They are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, attempted migrant smuggling, and endangering human lives.
The operation was launched after the Senegalese Navy intercepted a wooden boat used for irregular migration. On board were 147 people of different nationalities: 83 Senegalese, 29 Gambians, 23 Guineans, nine Malians, two Ghanaians, and one Ivorian. Among the passengers were 125 men, 20 women, and 12 minors, including two girls.
Authorities reported that the migrants admitted they were recruited by two men identified as the masterminds of the smuggling attempt. Each migrant is said to have paid between 300,000 and 600,000 CFA francs (equivalent to about D31,000–D62,000) for the journey. Seven individuals, believed to be crew members of the boat, were immediately detained and later brought before the courts as investigations continue.
Senegalese security officials stressed that the arrests highlight their determination to crack down on migrant smuggling rings that operate along the West African coast. The operation also demonstrates the increasing vigilance of Senegal’s naval forces, which have been intercepting canoes attempting to ferry hundreds of young people toward Europe.
For The Gambia, the incident has reignited concern about the persistent trend of irregular migration, commonly referred to as the ‘backway’. Despite repeated tragedies at sea and extensive awareness campaigns, many Gambian youths continue to take the dangerous route for better opportunities abroad.
The Sangomar interception serves as a sobering reminder of the high risks involved and the growing crackdown by neighboring countries. With 29 Gambians confirmed among those caught, the development is certain to renew calls for stronger national action to address the root causes of migration while also safeguarding citizens from smugglers who prey on their desperation.
As investigations in Senegal continue, the fate of the rescued migrants remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the arrests stand as a warning that regional authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle the smuggling networks fueling irregular migration across West Africa.
