The Gambia Navy, in collaboration with regional partners, has arrested two fishing vessels for illegal activities in Gambian waters during a three-day joint operation.

The exercise, which ran from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 September 2025, marked a strengthened regional push to curb the plunder of marine resources in the Gulf of Guinea.

Patrols were carried out jointly by The Gambia Navy and a Senegalese Navy vessel, SNS Niani, which carried a Gambian Special Operations Force.

The teams patrolled the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, where they intercepted the two vessels for serious infringements, including fishing without proper catch logging, in violation of national fisheries laws.

The detained vessels have been handed over to Gambian authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.

Officials said the action reflects The Gambia’s determination to protect its “blue economy” from the threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses risks to food security and economic stability.

In a statement, the Navy hailed the operation as a success and expressed appreciation to both regional partners and domestic agencies for their cooperation.

The force noted that the mission reinforced The Gambia’s central role in regional efforts to combat illegal fishing and promote responsible ocean governance.