Three Gambian Immigration Officers Abscond in Italy During Training Programme

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has confirmed reports that three immigration officers absconded in Italy while attending an official training programme organised under a bilateral cooperation arrangement between The Gambia and the Italian government.

According to a statement issued by the GID on Sunday, the incident occurred during a two-week training programme on migration management, border security, and document examination held at the Italian Police Training Academy in Nettuno, Rome.

The Department disclosed that twenty Gambian immigration officers participated in the programme, which was aimed at strengthening professional capacity, expertise, and international cooperation in border management and document security.

However, before the completion of the training, three officers identified as Assistant Immigration Control Officers Basirou L. Bojang, Lamin Drammeh, and Bambi Jah allegedly absconded from their assigned residence in what authorities described as a “premeditated and planned action.”

The GID stated that the three officers were among outstanding performers selected from the Border Patrol Unit training programme.

In its statement, the Department strongly condemned the officers’ actions, describing the development as damaging to the integrity and reputation of both the institution and the country.

“Their conduct compromises the integrity of The Gambia, strains diplomatic cooperation between The Gambia and Italy, and risks portraying a negative perception of our officers’ professionalism and loyalty,” the statement read.

The Immigration Department further revealed that swift administrative and disciplinary measures have already been initiated. Italian and European authorities have reportedly been notified, with requests made for the immediate tracing and removal of the officers through coordinated channels.

Authorities also confirmed that all relevant identification details, including passport bio-data, visa information, and photographs, have been shared with the appropriate security agencies to support ongoing efforts.

The GID reassured the public and international partners of its commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and strong international cooperation, while promising to pursue all available means to repatriate the officers and enforce disciplinary action.

The statement was signed by Inspector Siman Lowe, Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Immigration Department.