The School of Maritime Operations (SMOPS)at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpo, has ended its maiden two-week United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Basic Military Course 1-25 on Friday, 10 October 2025.

The course was conducted under the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme, on the topic ‘Strengthening maritime enforcement and rule of law at sea to maintain free and open maritime space in the Gulf of Guinea'. It aimed at enhancing operational competencies of participants in boarding operations and maritime law enforcement, while strengthening regional collaboration in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Guest of Honour and Acting Second-in-Command of SMOPS, Lieutenant Commander Anabiah-Tiah, commended the participants for their commitment and discipline throughout the training. She urged them to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired to support maritime security efforts and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their duties.

In his remarks, the UNODC Country Specialist, Lieutenant Commander Shalom Elorm Yao Morladza, highlighted the importance of interoperability and coordination among maritime law enforcement agencies. He encouraged the participants to maintain the networks formed, adding that international information sharing is effective for regional maritime security.

Participants were awarded certificates of participation for successful completion of the programme.