In a landmark passing-out ceremony of the first hundred trained officers of the newly-established Border Patrol Unit of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), Assistant Immigration Control Officer, Basirou L. Bojang, stands out as the overall Best Border Patrol Officer.
The event held on Thursday at Fajara Baracks, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Gambia Police Force (GAF), the Ministry of Defense, a and bilateral partners including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Geneva Center for Security Sector Reform, and families of the graduates, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen border security and migration management.
The hundred trained officers have undergone three-months of intensive training which includes physical drills, tactical training, legal instruction, and ethical orientation.
An Assistant Immigration Control Officer, Basirou L. Bojang, came out as best overall graduating Border Patrol Officer, while Bambi Jah, who stole the event, went home with Overall Best Female Border Patrol Officer award and a cash prices. Assistant Immigration Control Officer Gibril Ceesay was also awarded as the Best Shot (marksman), while Lamin Drammeh came second, and Yankuba Darboe, the third Best Border Patrol Officer.
The five promoted officers, together with the Chief Instructor of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) Training School, Captain Saikou Jarjue, have been nominated to attend a two-week trainings on document security and boarder management in Italy, as part of an existing cooperation with the government of Italy and The Gambia.
Representing his Excellency President Adama Barrow at the ceremony, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, encouraged the officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.”Your are therefore encouraged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, loyalty, diligence, and dedication in the execution of your sacred duties at all times,” Jend said, highlighting the importance and urgency of the new responsibility ahead.
Jeng framed the importance of the Border Patrol Unit as a key component of the country’s security framework which complements the current Security Sector Reform Strategy.
The Director General of the Gambia Immigration Department, Mboob reminds the officers of their profound responsibility to secure Gambia’s borders, facilitate legitimate and regular travel, and protect vulnerable youths who may be taking the perilous journey (backway) through the Mediterranean Sea.
