27/05/2026
MEDIA UPDATE
Petty Officer Ibrahim Moses Kargbo represented the Sierra Leone Navy in the Vessel Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) Training conducted from 13th–25th April 2026 in Dakar, Senegal. The training brought together partner nations across the Gulf of Guinea under the framework of OBANGAME Express 2026 to enhance maritime security cooperation, operational readiness, and interoperability among participating naval and maritime forces.
On an inteview condcted by the Sierra Leone Navy Public Affiars Office, he was able to give details of the training.
Executive Summary:
VBSS syndicates and partner nations conducted various classes, practical exercises, and exchanges of skills within the VBSS mission set to meet the ex*****on objectives of OBANGAME Express 2026. The training focused on improving boarding operations, maritime interdiction capabilities, evidence handling, and collaborative operational procedures among participating nations.
The exercise enhanced participants’ professional competence in maritime law enforcement operations and strengthened regional cooperation in combating maritime crimes such as piracy, smuggling, human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and illegal migration within the Gulf of Guinea.
Training Objectives:
Blended and collaborative boardings with teams consisting of varying countries and skill levels (Level I, II, and III).
• Counter-smuggling, human trafficking, and irregular migration scenarios.
• Non-compliant boarding procedures.
• Opposed boarding and advanced interdiction procedures.
• Case package preparation.
• Site exploitation and evidence collection.
• Counter-narcotics and anti-piracy operations.
• Emergent medical response procedures.
Participating Forces / Nations:
Partner nations across the Gulf of Guinea included:
Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Tunisia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cabo Verde, Mauritania, The Gambia, Senegal, Morocco, and Guinea-Bissau.
Importance of the VBSS Training shared by Petty Oficer Kargbo
From a Professional Standpoint he said:
The training enhanced my professional knowledge and operational skills in maritime interdiction, boarding operations, evidence collection, and tactical response procedures. It also improved my ability to work effectively within multinational teams, strengthened leadership and decision-making abilities under pressure, and exposed me to international best practices in maritime security operations. Furthermore, the exchange of experiences among partner nations broadened my understanding of contemporary maritime threats and response strategies.
To My Unit / Service:
The training significantly benefits the Sierra Leone Navy by improving operational readiness and strengthening the unit’s capacity to conduct safe and effective boarding operations at sea. The acquired knowledge and practical skills can be shared with fellow personnel through internal training and mentorship, thereby enhancing the overall capability of the Navy in combating piracy, illegal trafficking, smuggling, and other maritime crimes within Sierra Leone’s territorial waters. The training also strengthens interoperability with regional and international maritime partners during joint operations and exercises.
To My Country
The VBSS training contributes to national security by enhancing Sierra Leone’s maritime security capabilities and supporting efforts to protect the nation’s territorial waters and maritime resources. Improved maritime interdiction skills help combat illegal activities such as piracy, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and arms smuggling, which threaten economic growth and national stability. Additionally, the training strengthens Sierra Leone’s role in regional maritime cooperation and demonstrates the country’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability within the Gulf of Guinea region.
Appreciations
Special appreciation and sincere gratitude are extended to our international partners and organizers for the successful conduct of the Vessel Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) Training under OBANGAME Express 2026. Their continuous support, commitment, and collaboration over the years have greatly contributed to strengthening maritime security capacity and operational professionalism among partner nations across the Gulf of Guinea.
The Sierra Leone Navy remains grateful for the opportunity provided to its personnel to participate in such a valuable and impactful training program. This continued partnership demonstrates a shared commitment toward promoting peace, stability, safety, and maritime security within the region and beyond.
