The first 24 hours: what to do when someone goes missing

The first hours matter most. There is no waiting period in The Gambia — you can and should report a missing person immediately.

1. 1

   Call the Police PRO on +220 996 8885 immediately

   You do not need to wait 24 hours. Report to your nearest police station or call +220 996 8885. Ask for the case reference number and the name of the officer handling it — you will need both later.

2. 2

   Search the places they know first

   Most people are found close to home. Check the house thoroughly, then the workplace or school, the market, places of worship, and the homes of close friends and relatives. Call their phone repeatedly and send a text asking them to reply with their location.

3. 3

   Gather a recent photo and full description

   Collect a clear, recent photograph showing the face. Write down height, build, complexion, distinguishing features such as scars or tattoos, the clothing they were last wearing, and any medical conditions or medication they depend on.

4. 4

   Publish the case on the national registry

   Submitting to the Gambia Missing Persons Registry makes the case visible nationwide within minutes, so anyone from Banjul to Basse can recognise them and make contact.

5. 5

   Mobilise your community

   Share the case link on WhatsApp groups, with your Alkalo or community leader, with taxi and gelly-gelly drivers, ferry terminal and border staff, and with local radio stations. Describe rather than speculate.

6. 6

   Keep one line open and log everything

   Nominate one family member whose phone is answered day and night. Keep a written log of every call, sighting and lead with times and names, and pass each one to the police officer handling the case.