The Gambian Immigration Department (GID) has said a joint search operation involving Italian and European authorities is underway after three of its officers absconded while attending a training programme in Italy.

The officers identified as Basirou L. Bojang, Lamin Drammeh, and Bambi Jah were part of a group of 20 contingent sent to Italy to undergo a two-week training programme at the Italian Police Training Academy in Nettuno.

In a statement on Monday, the GID said that the disappearance of the officers appeared to be a “premeditated and planned action,” noting that their actions had stained Gambia’s image and altered its diplomatic relations with Italy. 

The GID further noted that the conduct did reflect the values of the agency, adding that both the Italian and Gambian authorities had launched efforts to locate the officers and repatriate them back to the West African nation.

Additionally, relevant information about the suspects — including passport biodata, visa details, and photographs — has been shared with both Italian and European authorities.

The statement read, “The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) wishes to confirm media reports regarding three immigration officers who absconded in Italy during a two-week training program on migration management, border security, and document examination at the Italian Police Training Academy in Nettuno, Rome.

“The training program was part of a bilateral cooperation framework between the Government of Italy, through its Ministry of Interior, and the GID. It was attended by twenty Gambian officers as part of ongoing efforts to enhance capacity development, expertise, and exposure in border management and document security.

“Prior to the completion of the training, three immigration officers—namely, Assistant Immigration Control Officers Basirou L. Bojang, Lamin Drammeh, and Bambi Jah— who were nominated among outstanding performers of the Border Patrol Unit training program, absconded from their residence in a manner that indicates a premeditated and planned action.”

It was gathered that Italian authorities regularly use the Nettuno academy for police and migration capacity-building programmes for African countries as part of the European country’s bilateral cooperation.

The agency also vowed administrative proceedings against the officers, saying “The GID assures all partners, stakeholders, and Gambians at large that the Department will continue to pursue all available means to repatriate these officers and enforce stringent disciplinary measures.”