Senegalese gendarmes dismantled a migrant trafficking network operating in the Saloum Delta, arresting 173 individuals attempting to reach Europe. The operation took place overnight from July 31st to August 1st, 2026, coinciding with a large religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Touba. Traffickers had arranged a rendezvous point in the delta for the prospective migrants. Acting on intelligence, the gendarmerie implemented a targeted plan to intercept the group before departure. The operation resulted in the apprehension of three boat captains alongside the 173 migrants. This bust highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking in the region.