As part of efforts to effectively tackle the growing threat posed by the activities of terrorists and pirates, especially along the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana’s Western Naval Command in Sekondi has hosted the 2024 Obangame Express Maritime Interdiction Training for 13 countries.

The U.S Coast Guard and all its partners along West Africa have been engaged in special training exercises and capacity building as well exchange programmes on improved methods to combat terrorism and violent extremism confronting nations.

For 5 days, 13 nations from across West Africa, Europe, and North America sent military delegations to collaborate, learn, and train together as part of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF)’s Obangame Express 2024 military interdiction training.

In all, 111 participants from Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Liberia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Togo, and the United States attended lectures, practised maritime security tactics, and drilled cooperatively together. 

Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET), Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (Corps Mariniers) Reconnaissance Sniper Team, NATO Maritime Interdiction Operations Training Centre, and INTERPOL led a robust series of training events in Sekondi.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Daniel Ehrlich, Spokesperson for Obangame Express 2024, acknowledged the enormous task confronting the global navy over threats being posed by activities of terrorists and pirates, especially along the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, it is the reason why USA Coast Guards and all its relevant partners along West Africa have been carrying out special training exercises and capacity building as well as exchange programmes on improved methods to combat terrorism and violent extremism confronting countries in the sub-region.

These threats, being posed by pirates and terrorists, he underscored, have energized the partners never to relent in their efforts to work together as a coalition necessary to develop pragmatic solutions and counter programmes capable of stemming the tide of violent extremism along the coast of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

"Together (Flintlock), the Italian Special Operations Forces, we are training the Libyan and Tunisian Forces as well as the Ghana Special Boat Service. And then, for Obangame Express, we had United States of America (USA) Coast Guard, and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps personnel, training Ghana Navy personnel.

On our side, (Flintlink) we had 13 nations coming together up here in Sekondi and we had over 100 participants training with the USA Coast Guard and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, learning the maritime introduction procedure that you saw.

Major Adam Denarco, lead planner of exercise Flintlock also said that the partnerships had become necessary following intense activities of terrorists and pirates along the Gulf of Guinea.

"Obangame Express through us, enabled exercises that focus on bringing innovative ability across African partners and international partners. Currently, within Flintlock, we have over thirty (30) countries that are participating in this specific training event, where there are opportunities.

French interpreters from the Royal Netherlands Army provided translation of the lessons to over 50 personnel from five French-speaking West African nations. 

“I think it’s wonderful to see so many nations training together,” said Royal Netherlands Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sergio D’Elia, team leader for the Dutch instructors at Sekondi. “Nations that don’t get to meet often were training together as one team… [and it] happened very naturally.” 

During the first two days of the event, participants rotated between four stations covering hallway-clearing procedures, room-clearing procedures, and tactical casualty care treating wounds and major injuries.

These events were mainly taught through joint instruction by the U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. Two Greek Navy personnel from the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC)’s mobile training team also joined the multinational contingent. 

“Working alongside our Dutch and Greek allies to train our African partners in maritime-focused tactical procedures and medical care empowers nations to handle crisis effectively,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Paul Avella, senior U.S. Coast Guard official who oversaw the Obangame Express 2024 training. “It’s a strategic investment in peace and security”he noted.

The following two days of training focused on learning about initial maritime crime scene investigation and evidence collection, as well as applying this to a shipboard setting. Trainees took to Snake-class patrol ship GNS Ehwor (P 37) and Cutter-class patrol ship GNS Anzone (P 30) to practice the skills they had learned about close-quarters combat and maritime interdiction.

They also snapped on pairs of surgical gloves to apply crime scene evidence collection training in a hands-on activity set up by INTERPOL Regional Maritime Security Directorate criminal intelligence officer Ludovic Payet. 

“They are the first person at sea to take action during an investigation,” said Payet. “If they do not use personal protective gear, they could contaminate the crime scene… so we have to teach them the basics so we can have a strong police case.” 

On the final day of instruction, students once again embarked aboard Ghana Navy ships and small boats to apply all that they had learned, including boarding techniques and small boat helmsman ship. Together, the militaries meshed and worked alongside one another to complete each of the tasks, often communicating with hand signals to break the language barrier. 

“It is important for all of these countries to come together because we are all Africans and we are all humans,” said Machinery Technician Seaman Apprentice Erica Davis of the Liberia National Coast Guard. “It is good to share ideas from country to country so we can get better together.” 

After the completion of the final training day’s events, U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps trainers awarded certificates in English and French signifying the successful completion of the week’s activities.

At the closing ceremony, trainers and trainees reflected on the great strides they made together and the lasting relationships they built in Ghana.

No one nation can manage transnational threats alone, so exercises like Obangame Express provide a foundation for collaboration throughout the year. 

“In the case of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, it is very important that each nation has very good skills to cope with the threats of the area,” said Royal Netherlands Navy Capt. Idzerd van Eysinga, The Netherlands Defense Attaché for West Africa. “They need to train maritime interdiction procedures to work together internationally and ensure interoperability. Because of fast-evolving threats in the region, they need to continue to train together.” 

During exercise Obangame Express 2024, the 13th iteration of the exercise, partner and ally forces collaborate to enhance collective maritime law enforcement capabilities, bolster national and regional security in West Africa, and foster greater interoperability among U.S., African, and multinational partners.

The U.S. routinely exercises with its partners in Africa to build enduring relationships and a combined capacity to ensure the safety and security of the regional maritime environment.