On Monday, January 5, 2026, the Gambia Police Force intensified coordinated operations to prevent irregular migration, protect lives, and strengthen security along the Jinacks coastal corridor and other vulnerable crossing points in close coordination with sister security services in the North Bank Region.
CP Mustapha Sowe, the Regional Commissioner of Police for NBR, oversaw the joint operation as part of ongoing, intelligence-driven initiatives to disrupt networks of irregular migration, decrease the mobility of facilitators, and improve early-warning systems through community collaboration.
The Gambia Police team, the Gambia Immigration Department, State Intelligence Services (SIS), the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG), the Navy, and the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) Kerewan were among the members of the multi-agency task team. Strong interaction with local authorities and citizens throughout the Jinacks complimented these initiatives.
The crew conducted coordinated examinations of known and suspected illegal migrant transit locations, including as Jinack Nigi, Jinack Kajata, Mbakam, and Bakindik Koto, following a security briefing at the Essau Model Police Station. These trips were centered on monitoring access routes frequently used by irregular migration facilitators, reviewing canoe activity, and conducting coastal surveillance.
Representatives from the Alkalo’s office reiterated the community’s opposition to irregular migration at meetings at Jinack Nigi and stated that they are still willing to work with security forces to protect lives and maintain community stability. Residents of Jinack Kajata voiced concerns over alleged facilitation operations, which led to increased patrols and surveillance.
During regular patrols and enforcement operations, the combined team stopped ten (10) unregistered motorcycles (Jakartas) that were suspected of being connected to irregular migration-related activities and related offenses, awaiting more investigation. After being brought to the Essau Police Station, the motorcycles were turned over to Mobile Traffic for legal action. In order to improve screening and discourage illegal movements, roadblocks were also strengthened along important access routes.
Senegalese Police peers welcomed CP Mustapha Sowe and delegation members during their strategic coordination visit to Karang, Senegal, in support of regional cooperation. In order to combat illegal migratory networks that operate across countries, the engagement concentrated on intelligence sharing, coordinated patrol planning, and bolstering cross-border communication channels. To guarantee prompt information flow and quick reaction, dedicated contact points were shared.
The Gambia Police Force emphasizes that combating irregular migration still requires community involvement. People who live in the Jinacks and the adjacent areas are urged to keep reporting suspicious movements and to oppose actions that put lives in danger, jeopardize public safety, or jeopardize national security.
Through coordinated patrols, community involvement, legitimate enforcement, and regional cooperation, the Gambia Police Force and its sister services are steadfastly dedicated to ongoing operations against irregular migration.
The public is urged to assist these efforts by contacting 9968885 or providing reliable information to the closest police station.
