Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Navy marked a significant milestone with the closing ceremony of OBANGAME Express 2025, held on Friday, 16th May 2025, at the Western Naval Command Base in Murray Town, Freetown.
The event underscored the importance of maritime security and highlighted the commitment of the Sierra Leone Navy and partner agencies to safeguarding the country’s territorial waters.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Captain Navy LK Jabati, thanked the participants for their 11 days of hard work and called on the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) to continue collaborating with the Navy.
Providing an overview of the OBANGAME Express 2025 exercise, Captain Navy AK Dumbuya, Commandant Western Naval Command and Director of Operations at the JMC, highlighted the extensive training received by the 72 participants from the Sierra Leone Navy and sister agencies. These participants were trained in various maritime activities, including anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, illegal fishing, search and rescue, illegal migration, port and harbor security, electronic vessel tracking, and anti-drug and human trafficking, thereby enhancing their preparedness for any maritime security challenges.
On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Chief of General Staff, Brigadier General SDT Ngaujah, expressed gratitude to all international partners, particularly the United States and the European Union, for their unwavering support. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, cooperation, and support from these global partners to meet the increasing demands of maritime security. He urged the leadership of the navy to continue fostering and sustaining relationships that will enhance the capacity of the Sierra Leone Navy as part of the RSLAF.
The closing program of OBANGAME Express 2025 was attended not only by the leadership of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) but also by representatives of the heads of participating sister agencies.
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