A total of 22 Gambian youths are reported to have been intercepted in Senegal in a suspected attempt to sail to Spain. The youths were apprehended by the Senegalese security forces on Tuesday along with their Senegalese accomplices as they boarded a boat bound for Spain.

When contacted, Chief Superintendent Olimatou Jammeh-Sonko, Public Relations Officer Gambia Immigration Department (GID), confirmed the story.

She added that the 22 people were returned to The Gambia yesterday and are currently under the custody of GID for routine screening.

The practice of embarking on perilous, mostly sea, voyages has in recent years been an all too common phenomenon that has taken its toll on life and limb of African youths who resolve to reach the European mainland by all means.