EUCAP Somalia Field Office Puntland facilitates CRIMARIO training and regional exercise and training

From 2 to 5 February, EUCAP Somalia Field Office Puntland facilitated and supported the IORIS regional exercise and training conducted by the CRIMARIO III Project for 15 participants (11 men, four women). 

The Red Sea and Horn of Africa (ROHA) Regional Exercise “RED LANTERN 26” was carried out entirely on the IORIS platform, bringing together Maritime Security Actors from across Puntland to enhance coordination, information sharing, and operational response. 

The exercise featured realistic maritime security scenarios reflecting current regional challenges, including VBSS & Maritime Assistance, Illegal Weapons Smuggling, and Deterrence Operation. These scenarios tested coordination, decision-making and real-time information exchange among national and regional stakeholders, with IORIS serving as the primary cooperation platform. 

The Puntland Maritime Police Force-Maritime Operations Centre (PMPF-MOC) staff actively participated in the regional exercise under the mentoring of the CRIMARIO III expert, further strengthening its operational engagement and technical capacity in maritime coordination and response.

In parallel, an introductory IORIS course was delivered for key Puntland Maritime Institutions, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Ports, Maritime Transport and Maritime Crime Prevention, Bossaso Port Security, and the Bossaso Port Maritime Police Unit. PMPF-MOC staff also supported the training delivery by mentoring and guiding participants throughout the sessions. 

Participants were introduced to the IORIS system, observed the live exercise, completed a proficiency test, and were awarded certificates of participation. 

Through this initiative, EUCAP Somalia FOPL continues to support Puntland’s Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies and Institutions in enhancing regional cooperation, strengthening information-sharing mechanisms, and promoting coordinated responses to evolving maritime security challenges in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.