Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) on Thursday graduated 100 immigration officers following an intensive three-month training programme aimed at strengthening border security, patrol operations and surveillance across the country.
The officers, selected by the senior management of the GID Border Patrol Unit, underwent specialised training at the Gambia Armed Forces Training School in Fajara as part of efforts to enhance operational readiness and reinforce national border protection.
The training programme focused on improving professional competencies required for effective border management, including tactical skills, operational discipline and weapons handling. Participants received instruction in the safe and decisive use of firearms, including pistols and AK-47 rifles.
The graduation ceremony was attended by senior government officials and high-ranking officers from various national security institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Gambia Immigration Department, Ebrima Mboob, commended the strong collaboration between the GID and the Gambia Armed Forces, noting that the success of the training reflected longstanding institutional cooperation.
He reminded the graduating officers that border security extends beyond checkpoints and patrols, emphasising their broader responsibility to serve communities while upholding human rights and the rule of law.
“Border security is not just about mounting checkpoints and patrols; it is about service to our communities, respect for human dignity and adherence to the rule of law,” he said.
Mboob also highlighted emerging security challenges, including irregular migration, smuggling networks and transnational crime, stressing that the newly-trained officers would play a critical role in addressing these threats with professionalism and vigilance.
He further announced that five of the best-performing officers would be selected for an additional two-week intensive border security training programme in Italy.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Deputy Permanent Secretary Jerreh Sanyang described the initiative as timely, noting that it aligns with the government’s Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (YIRIWA), which prioritises security, democratic governance and socio-economic transformation.
The ceremony concluded with a tactical demonstration by the graduating officers, showcasing skills acquired during the training.
