SMOPS CLOSES UNODC BASIC COURSE

Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies complete a two-week United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) prescribed course on Visit, Board, Search and Seizure
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The School of Maritime Operations(SMOPS), at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor has held a closing ceremony for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Basic Course on Friday 1 August 2025.

The two-week course was designed to equip participants with fundamental skills, enhance operational readiness of Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies (MLEAs) and promote regional collaboration in combating maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.

Delivering the closing remarks, the Guest of Honour, Lieutenant Commander Joseph Jeffery Donkor, congratulated the trainees for their resilience and dedication throughout the training. He urged them to apply the knowledge and hands-on skills acquired to enhance operational efficiency and to share their expertise with colleagues who did not have the opportunity to attend the course.

The UNODC Country Specialist, Lieutenant Commander Shalom Elorm Yao Morladza, said the training would create a level playing field for coordination and information sharing to ensure ease of operation with a shared goal. He encouraged the participants to build strong networks to reinforce regional cooperation.