The Gambia Navy has intercepted 51 suspected migrants attempting to embark on the dangerous “back way” journey to Europe off the coast of Pirang.

The dramatic operation saw naval officers stop a boat within The Gambia’s territorial waters before it could proceed further into the open sea.

Officials said the group included 35 males and 16 females, among them one minor. Initial screening revealed that 42 of the migrants are Gambians, while nine are Senegalese nationals.

The migrants were immediately secured by naval personnel and later handed over to the appropriate authorities for further screening and processing in line with migration procedures.

The interception highlights the ongoing efforts of the Gambia Armed Forces to crack down on irregular migration and protect the country’s waters from illegal activities.

Authorities have again sounded the alarm over the risks of the “backway,” warning that many young people continue to risk their lives on overcrowded and unsafe boats operated by traffickers and smugglers.

They urged the public, especially youths, to abandon such dangerous journeys and instead pursue safer and legal opportunities.

By Adama Makasuba