By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter The Gambia Immigration Department, in close collaboration with the Gambia Navy and the State Intelligence Service, has launched a decisive operation against irregular migration activities in the coastal tributaries of Nuimi Bakalarr, resulting in the rescue of dozens of would-be migrants and the interception of multiple migrant boats. According to an official statement issued on 19th May 2026, the coordinated operation was carried out on Monday, 18th May, by the North Bank Regional Migration Management and Border Patrol Units stationed in Barra. Acting swiftly on intelligence reports, security forces moved into the area and uncovered three boats suspected to be transporting irregular migrants through dangerous sea routes. Two of the boats, heavily loaded with migrants, were immediately intercepted with support from naval officers. In a carefully managed rescue effort, women and minors were first evacuated to safety before the vessels were escorted under security protection to Denton Bridge for further inspection. Authorities confirmed that a total of seventy-three migrants were rescued during the operation, including forty-one men, thirty-two women, and ten minors. Security personnel also recovered two large wooden boats, a 40-horsepower engine, large quantities of fuel, and several fuel barrels believed to have been prepared for the dangerous journey across the Atlantic. All rescued migrants and seized materials were transported to the Tanji Migration Management Unit, where screening, investigations, and processing are currently ongoing. Officials disclosed that during the later stages of the operation, some migrants aboard the remaining third boat became hostile and threatened to attack rescue officers as attempts were made to approach the vessel. In response, commanders temporarily suspended direct engagement to avoid loss of life and to prepare a more strategic rescue intervention. As of Tuesday, 19th May 2026, the Gambia Navy, working alongside the Gambia Immigration Department, continues efforts to rescue additional male migrants reportedly stranded at sea aboard the third vessel. Authorities noted that low tide conditions have slowed parts of the ongoing operation. Security officials praised the strong cooperation among national security institutions, describing the mission as another demonstration of the government’s determination to combat irregular migration, secure national borders, and protect vulnerable lives from the dangers of unlawful sea journeys. The operation has also been hailed as a major success in the broader national effort to dismantle migrant smuggling networks operating along The Gambia’s coastline. Post navigation Gambia Embassy Concludes Record-Breaking Biometric Passport Mission in Spain and Italy “Barrow’s Rural Road Revolution Gains Momentum as Connect Gambia Expands Across CRR and URR”