The Gambia Immigration Department has intercepted 76 suspected irregular migrants in Tanji, seizing a wooden boat, two engines and fuel containers in an operation conducted on Friday, 4 September.

The operation was carried out by officers of the Border Patrol Unit, stationed at the Migration Management Unit in Tanji, with support from Spanish partners.

The group comprised 43 Guineans, 20 Senegalese, seven Gambians and six Malians, including 54 males, 14 females and minors.

Authorities also arrested a suspected migrant smuggler, who remains in GID custody and is assisting with investigations.

Among the items recovered were a wooden boat, a tricycle, two boat engines, five 60-litre fuel containers and five 30-litre containers.

The GID said the operation forms part of its efforts to strengthen border control and migration management while safeguarding lives and national security.