Gambian Immigration Officers Vanish in Italy During High-Level Security Training

By CTV Africa

A major embarrassment has hit the Gambia Immigration Department after three Gambian immigration officers reportedly disappeared in Italy while attending an elite international border security training program sponsored under bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and Italy.

In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, the Department confirmed that Assistant Immigration Control Officers Basirou L. Bojang, Lamin Drammeh, and Bambi Jah absconded from their residence in Rome before the completion of a two-week intensive training at the Italian Police Training Academy in Nettuno.

The officers were among 20 Gambian personnel selected for advanced training on migration management, border security, and document examination, a prestigious program organized through cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Interior.

But authorities say the trio vanished in what appears to have been a carefully planned operation.

“Their disappearance indicates a premeditated and planned action,” the Department stated, adding that the conduct of the officers has “compromised the integrity of The Gambia” and threatens diplomatic trust between The Gambia and Italy.

The development has reportedly triggered alarm within Gambian authorities and international partners, with the GID confirming that Italian and European authorities have already been alerted. Passport details, visas, and photographs of the missing officers have been circulated for immediate tracing and possible deportation.

Ironically, the three officers were reportedly nominated from among the “outstanding performers” of the Border Patrol Unit training program before allegedly fleeing.

The GID says it is pursuing “all available means” to repatriate the officers and enforce strict disciplinary measures, warning that such actions tarnish the image of Gambian security institutions abroad.

The incident is likely to spark renewed debate over irregular migration, abuse of international training opportunities, and the growing trend of African officials disappearing during overseas assignments.

The statement was signed by Inspector Siman Lowe, Public Relations Officer of the GID.