Three officers of the Gambia Immigration Department have reportedly absconded in Italy while attending an official overseas training programme on migration management and border security, prompting the department to launch disciplinary proceedings and alert European authorities.

The officers, identified as Assistant Immigration Control Officers Basirou L. Bojang, Lamin Drammeh, and Bambi Jah, were part of a twenty-member Gambian delegation attending a two-week capacity-building programme at the Italian Police Training Academy in Nettuno, Rome.

According to the Gambia Immigration Department, the officers disappeared from their residence before the completion of the training in what authorities described as a “premeditated and planned action.”

The training programme was organised under a bilateral cooperation arrangement between the Government of Italy and The Gambia aimed at strengthening border management, migration control, and document examination skills among Gambian immigration personnel.

The department expressed disappointment over the incident, saying the actions of the officers undermine the integrity and professionalism of the institution.

“Their conduct compromises the integrity of The Gambia and strains diplomatic cooperation between The Gambia and Italy,” the statement said.

The GID said it has since informed Italian and European authorities and requested immediate action to trace the officers. Authorities have also shared the officers’ passport details, visas, and photographs with relevant agencies.

The department emphasised that the officers’ actions do not reflect the values of the institution or the expectations placed on officers representing The Gambia abroad.

The statement added that disciplinary measures would be taken against the officers while efforts continue to facilitate their repatriation.

The GID further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline within the service and strengthening international partnerships in migration and border security management.

By Adama Makasuba