“The threats we face—piracy, drug trafficking, terrorism, and smuggling—require innovative and proactive solutions. This mentoring is part of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to remain one step ahead of these emerging challenges,” stated Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Sierra Leone.
Speaking on the occasion of the mentoring organised by SEACOP for the Maritime Intelligence Unit (MIU), he added: “You are not only defenders of our maritime borders but also protectors of our communities and our future.”
From 7-11 October 2024, this activity took place at the Office of National Security. Building on the MIU basic training delivered by SEACOP in February, this follow-up brought together a multi-agency team with participants from the Joint Maritime Control Unit, including representatives from the NDLEA, Police (TOCU, Marine Police), Immigration, and Port Authorities.
Expert facilitators from the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) – MAOC (N) led practical exercises on combating illicit trafficking and piracy, aiming to improve participants’ skills in vessel profiling, risk analysis, and intelligence-sharing.
The opening and closing ceremonies were honoured by the ONS Chief of Staff and agency leaders, with the EU Delegation represented by Charlie Suilen, who emphasised: “The biggest value of this mentoring is getting all the Sierra Leone law enforcement agencies, dealing with maritime trafficking, together in one room.”
“Having worked in the Caribbean region for the last 4 years, I have been exposed to the great value of SEACOP and it is truly excellent to see the cross-Atlantic scope of the programme,” he added.
