The Gambia Navy has taken another significant step in enhancing its maritime security capabilities after completing a series of preparatory drills ahead of the Grand African Nemo (GANO) 2025 exercise. The training held in Cabo Verde brought together participating nations from Zone G to refine joint operational skills and reinforce regional collaboration in the Gulf of Guinea.
A key highlight for the Gambia Navy was the successful advancement of its Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) capabilities. A Gambian boarding team underwent specialised instruction led by the Senegalese Navy focusing on vessel approach procedures, tactical boarding operations and the safe handling of maritime interdiction scenarios. The training emphasised coordinated teamwork and operational discipline ensuring the team is well prepared for complex real-world missions at sea.
The initiative forms part of a broader French-funded programme designed to boost interoperability among West African maritime forces. With the Gulf of Guinea facing persistent threats such as illicit trafficking, illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and piracy the project aims to equip regional navies with the skills needed to counter these challenges effectively.
GANO remains one of West Africa’s most important multinational maritime exercises centred on improving collective security, information sharing and crisis response. The Gambia Navy’s strong performance in the preparatory phase underscores its commitment to safeguarding national and regional waters as it prepares to join partner nations for the full-scale 2025 operations.
