Senegalese authorities intercepted 132 irregular migrants at sea in a coordinated operation involving the national navy and the Division for the Fight Against Migrant Trafficking and Related Practices (DNLT).
The migrants were rescued from a vessel attempting to reach the Canary Islands after departing from Gambian waters. According to officials, the group included men, women and minors from multiple West African nationalities, though specific demographic breakdowns for this interception were not detailed in the reports.
The operation took place approximately 150 kilometers off the coast of Dakar, where naval forces spotted and escorted the boat to safety before transferring the individuals to DNLT custody for processing, and investigation.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by irregular migration routes from West Africa to Europe, particularly via the Atlantic corridor. Senegalese security forces have increased maritime patrols in response to a rise in such attempts, aiming to prevent loss of life and dismantle smuggling networks.
Upon interception, the migrants received initial assistance from authorities before undergoing standard procedures to determine their legal status and coordinate with relevant agencies.
