The Gambia Immigration Department has intercepted three young women at the Barra–Jinack sea crossing as part of its ongoing Zero-Departure operations against irregular migration.

Immigration Intelligence officers on routine patrol on 10 January 2026 stopped the trio, aged 17, 18 and 19, after finding them loitering along the shoreline with backpacks.

They were taken to the immigration office for screening, where they admitted plans to travel through irregular migration routes.

Authorities said the three, who are from Tanjeh and Jabang, revealed that their journey was being facilitated by a Senegalese national living in Tanjeh.

Later in the day, immigration patrols also covered Ballingho Riverside, Ndanka Riverside and Bereto (New Bridge) Riverside, where officers held sensitisation talks with local fishermen and exchanged contact details to strengthen information sharing. No unusual activity was reported in the areas visited.

The Immigration Department said it remains committed to its Zero-Departure operations to prevent dangerous journeys and protect lives.