Online Scams, Smuggling Networks Fuel Growing Migration and Trafficking Crisis In The Gambia
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Gambia is confronting a rapidly evolving migration and human trafficking crisis as organised criminal networks increasingly exploit young people, vulnerable migrants and poorly monitored borders.
Speaking at the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament summit on irregular migration, Mr Momodou Drammeh of the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons warned that young people are increasingly being forced into online scams through threats, beatings and other forms of abuse.
Drammeh said victims are also subjected to forced begging, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and forced labour, revealing that nearly 95 per cent of sexual exploitation cases reported to the agency involve Nigerian nationals.
In a separate presentation, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration Alkali Jammeh disclosed that 2,496 migrants were processed between April and June 2026, up from 1,509 in the first quarter, while interceptions more than tripled from 22 to 68.
The figures underscore The Gambia’s growing role as a source, transit and destination country, with organised smuggling networks exploiting coastal communities and unauthorised border crossings.
Authorities say stronger laws, increased funding, intelligence gathering, cross-border cooperation and greater public awareness are urgently needed to confront the growing crisis.
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