As part of the fight against illegal migration, the gendarmes of the Mbour Research Brigade carried out a large-scale operation which resulted in the arrest of 31 people seeking illegal emigration, Seneweb learned.

A smoothly conducted operation

The operation took place on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at around 7 p.m. at Saly Residence, in the commune of Saly. According to information provided by Colonel Ibrahima Ndiaye, head of the Communications Division of the National Gendarmerie, this operation was carried out jointly by the Mbour Research Brigade and a platoon of the Surveillance and Intervention Squadron (ESI) of Mbour.

The intervention followed specific intelligence reporting the probable departure of illegal migrants from this area. Coordination between the various units enabled effective and targeted action.

A heterogeneous group of candidates for emigration

The 31 individuals arrested have a diverse profile, illustrating the regional nature of this migratory phenomenon:

- 5 Senegalese

- 7 Ivorian nationals

- 14 Guinean nationals, including 6 women and a child aged only 4 years old

- 4 Cameroonian nationals

- 1 Togolese national

A major security issue

This operation is part of the Senegalese authorities' ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration, a phenomenon that poses a major security and humanitarian challenge. Attempts at illegal migration expose migrants to deadly risks, particularly during sea crossings in unsafe boats.

The Mbour area and its surroundings, particularly Saly, are regularly identified as potential starting points for these attempts at emigration to Europe, due to their strategic geographical position on the Atlantic coast.

Call for citizen vigilance

Following this action, the National Gendarmerie has renewed its call for the public to contribute to these prevention efforts. Citizens are invited to report any suspicious behavior or activity to the toll-free numbers provided:

- 123

- 800 00 20 20