The men, all adults, were intercepted on Thursday, August 20, by officers from the department’s Tanji Migration Management and Border Patrol units, according to the Immigration Department.
The department said the operation was part of efforts to curb irregular migration, but did not disclose where the men were allegedly planning to travel or whether anyone had been arrested in connection with the case.
The interception has also raised concern over the use of private homes to accommodate people preparing to embark on irregular migration journeys.
In a statement, the Gambia Immigration Department said it was concerned about landlords and property owners allegedly providing shelter to potential irregular migrants.
“The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) is aware of and concerned about the practice of landlords and property owners harbouring or accommodating potential irregular migrants in residential premises,” the department said.
According to the department, the practice could make it more difficult for authorities to monitor irregular migration and create challenges for community security and surveillance.
The department urged residents to remain alert and report activities they consider suspicious, particularly where the presence of individuals or their living arrangements raise concerns.
It said the fight against irregular migration cannot be left to immigration authorities alone, stressing the need for cooperation between government institutions, communities and other stakeholders.
The latest interception comes as the department continues efforts to strengthen border management and migration governance while tackling irregular migration across the country.
GID reaffirmed its commitment to combating irregular migration and improving the country’s migration management systems.
The department also stressed the importance of public cooperation in supporting these efforts, particularly through timely reporting of suspicious activities.
While the circumstances surrounding the 19 men remain unclear, the department’s warning puts renewed attention on the role of private property owners and communities in efforts to prevent irregular migration journeys.
The Immigration Department said continued cooperation between authorities and the public remains necessary to strengthen national security and improve surveillance within communities.
The men were intercepted during the August 20 operation in Batokunku, but the department did not provide further details about what would happen to them following the interception.
