The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched a one-week advanced Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor, to enhance maritime security and equip personnel with advanced tactics to combat crime effectively.

UNODC representative Lieutenant Commander Chinazo Bertrand Chikeziri (Rtd) described the training as a continuation of the basic VBSS course, providing additional capacity to interdict non-compliant vessels.

He expressed hope that participants would acquire advanced skills to operate both individually and collaboratively.

The Guest of Honour, the School of Maritime Operations (SMOPS), Lieutenant Commander Joseph Jeffery Donkor, urged participants to engage actively, build networks, and share ideas.

He highlighted the importance of collaborating to secure the Gulf of Guinea against piracy and criminal activities.