By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority has taken a significant step in strengthening national and regional maritime security through a practical, multi-agency training exercise held at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
The initiative, facilitated under the leadership of the Director General of Ports, Mr Yankuba Bio, reflects a growing commitment by the Authority to confront illicit maritime trafficking and organized crime along Sierra Leone’s coastline. The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Seaport Cooperation Project, an EU funded program aimed at enhancing the capacity of port authorities and law enforcement agencies to counter transnational criminal networks.
The two day training brought together key maritime and security stakeholders, including officers from the Office of National Security, SLPHA, Sierra Leone Police, Republic of Sierra Leone Navy, INTERPOL, and the Transnational Organized Crime Unit. This broad participation underscored the importance of interagency coordination in addressing complex maritime threats.
At the heart of the training were practical, real life scenarios designed to test and improve operational readiness. Participants engaged in simulated exercises involving the detection of illegal drugs concealed within vessels as well as procedures for managing unaccounted persons found onboard ships. These simulations provided a hands on opportunity for officers to sharpen their investigative, surveillance, and response skills in a controlled but realistic environment.
A key highlight of the exercise was the role played by SLPHA in providing both a vessel and a functional operational setting. This allowed participants to train under conditions that closely mirror real maritime operations, enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of the exercise. Observers noted a marked improvement in coordination, communication, and tactical response among the various agencies involved.
The Director General of Ports has continued to prioritize capacity building and institutional collaboration as central pillars of his administration. By opening up port facilities for such high level training and fostering partnerships with international bodies like SEACOP, the Authority is positioning itself as a proactive player in global maritime security efforts.
Stakeholders have commended the initiative, noting that maritime crime remains a serious threat to economic stability and national security. Illegal trafficking of drugs, arms, and persons through sea routes requires constant vigilance and well trained personnel capable of responding swiftly and effectively.
The successful execution of this training signals Sierra Leone’s firm commitment to safeguarding its maritime domain and contributing to international efforts against organized crime. Under the current leadership, SLPHA continues to demonstrate that strategic investment in training and collaboration can yield tangible improvements in national security readiness.
As global maritime challenges evolve, initiatives like this reaffirm the Authority’s resolve to stay ahead, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s ports remain secure, efficient, and aligned with international best practices.
