The Spanish government has donated five brand new Toyota vehicles to Gambia government to help clampdown on irregular migration.

The vehicles have been handed over to Gambia Immigration Department by the Ministry of Interior. 

Assan Tangara, permanent secretary at the ministry of Interior, described the donation as timely and expressed optimism that the vehicles will strengthen the capacity of the security institutions under the ministry.

Meanwhile, Olga Cabarga, Spanish ambassador designated to The Gambia, said that The Gambia and Spain have been cooperating in migration affairs and related areas.

She said the initiative is in accordance with the guiding principle of Spain’s foreign relations, which is, “putting people first”.

“Spain and The Gambia have developed joint police cooperation against organised crime and irregular migration to support our Gambia counterparts in the fantastic job they are doing to protect the people of The Gambia.

“Our aim is to prevent the proliferation of illegal trafficking networks and unlawful practices that put people’s life at risk. We have developed this intense cooperation with the Gambia Immigration Department, the Gambia Police Force and the Gambia Navy,” she said.

Representing the Director General of The Gambia Immigration Department, Commissioner for Administration, Ebrima Mboob, said the vehicles will strengthen the response of the Immigration Department in their service delivery to the country, as well as enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Interior, alongside its line departments, to positively respond to emerging security trends and effectively implement its mandate.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba