The Joal territorial brigade of the Mbour gendarmerie company conducted a large-scale operation this Friday, November 28th. According to Seneweb sources, it resulted in the arrest of 71 people attempting to reach Europe by sea.

According to statements from intercepted candidates, the pirogue had left the island of Nionior on Wednesday, November 27, 2025.

The boat had set off around 5 p.m. with the stowaways on board.

The gendarmes managed to intercept the convoy before it moved further away from the Senegalese coast.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 71 individuals attempting irregular migration. The group consisted of 43 boys and 28 girls.

These people came from six different countries. Gambians made up the largest group with 35 individuals. Twenty-one Senegalese were also part of the convoy.

Six Ghanaians were apprehended. Three Guineans and four Sierra Leoneans completed the group. Two Ivorians were also among those attempting to leave.

An organizer wanted among those arrested

The Joal territorial brigade has made a significant arrest. Among the 71 people apprehended is an organizer of a smuggling network.

This man, nicknamed Bamba, was actively sought by the Foundiougne territorial brigade. His arrest represents a major step forward in dismantling irregular migration networks.

The police seized the equipment used for the crossing. They confiscated the pirogue that was intended to transport the migrants to Europe.

A significant quantity of fuel was also seized. Investigators discovered three 100-liter drums of gasoline. Six 20-liter jerrycans of gasoline completed the fuel supply intended for the crossing.

The 71 would-be illegal immigrants, including their organizer Bamba, are currently in the custody of the gendarmerie. They are being questioned as part of the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement is seeking to apprehend the other organizers of this smuggling network. The objective is to completely dismantle the irregular migration network operating in the area.

This new interception, two days after the one in Foundiougne, shows the intensification of surveillance of the Senegalese coasts to combat irregular emigration.