At least 23 illegal migrants were on Tuesday evening, arrested by members of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), at the Ceesay Garage in Bakau Newtown, while on the verge of departing for a voyage to Spain through the high seas.

The 23 young men were then moved to the Immigration Post at New Jeshwang (Babun Fatty Junction), where they were put under detention, as their screening progresses.

When contacted, Chief Superintendent Olimatou Jammeh-Sonko, the public relations officer (PRO) of the Gambia Immigration Department, confirmed the story, adding that investigations of the plot were ongoing.

Chief Supt Jammeh-Sonko revealed that the illegal migrants have claimed that one Lamin Jaiteh was their agent. According to her, Jaiteh, who was at large, was responsible for all the transactions of the risky journey.

The Immigration PRO used the opportunity to urge the public to report anyone attempting to embark on an illegal voyage to Europe, through the high seas.