The intended migrants, which include five women and three men, are currently detained at the GID Migration Centre at Tanjeh as investigation into the matter continues. GID officials said the man who masterminded the operation is currently on the run.
Immigration officials have also seized items which were to be used by the intending migrants. They included two Yamaha Engine 60 HP, 58 gallons of 20 liters of petrol, four bags of charcoal, a canoe and one bag of rice.
Among the eight people arrested also include a minor who was in 7-grader in one of the schools in coastal villages of the country and two Sierra Leonean nationals
Speaking to journalists at Tanjeh, Mamanding S. Dibba, the spokesperson of the GID confirmed the interception of the migrants during an “operation” which was held on Monday, saying: “The operation was conducted at midnight when the GID officers conducted a raid along areas of Gunjur and Sambuya area. The GID operatives were able to deter an irregular migration movement leading to the arrest of the eight individuals.”
PRO Dibba further added: “60 other individuals who were waiting for the canoe in order to join the team of the eight individuals at an unknown location dispersed before the GID operatives arrive,” he posited.
Preliminary investigation revealed that each of the eight individuals had paid about 30, 000 to 40, 000 dalasis to one Njegan Sarr of Gunjur “who is believed to have masterminded everything.
Assistant Supt. Samba Mballow, the officer commanding at the Migration Unit of the GID, said: “Irregular migration has slightly increased compared to last year. Looking at the statistics last year, we have very few departures. However, this year it has increased. This is not only in the Gambia but also other countries in the sub-region.”
