The Gambia Navy has successfully intercepted a boat carrying suspected irregular migrants in the Bunyado coastal region, as part of its continuous efforts to address illegal migration.
A statement released on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and shared on the official Facebook page of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), indicated that the interception was conducted by the Navy’s Riverine Coastal Detachment while on routine patrols in the creeks along the Bunyado coastline.
“The Gambia Navy’s Riverine Coastal Detachment team this morning intercepted a local canoe carrying would-be migrants in the creeks along the Bunyado coastal area,” the statement said.
The GAF observed that the Navy has increased its littoral patrols throughout the entire length of the River Gambia estuary due to rising concerns regarding irregular migration.
“The Gambia Navy continues to intensify its littoral patrol reach along the entire stretch of the estuary of the River Gambia,” the statement added.
The Armed Forces highlighted that the operation is a component of wider initiatives aimed at deterring young individuals from pursuing the perilous irregular migration path, often referred to as the “backway.”
“This is aimed at curbing the menace of the perilous backway journey among the youths of this country,” the statement concluded.
