EOD closes a two-week intensive UXO training program

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Department closed a two-week Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) training program at Hells Point on 13 February 2026.

The training program was conducted by Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) instructors to enhance the capability of the RSIPF EOD Department in dealing with World War II remnants.

Supervising Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for National Operations (NO), Mr Francis Ramoni, said this training has been delivered with a clear objective to strengthen professional competence, enhance operational effectiveness, and ensure that our RSIPF EOD personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Supervising ACP Ramoni said this training is of significant importance to the RSIPF. It not only enhances the technical capabilities of our EOD officers but also reinforces corporate knowledge-sharing, mutual learning, and enduring cooperation between our two institutions.

“Over the years, our partnership has continued to strengthen, and through sustained training engagements and professional exchanges such as this, I am confident that our collaboration will grow even stronger in the years ahead,” said ACP Ramoni.

Supervising ACP, NO, Mr Ramoni acknowledged the UXO awareness activity conducted for members of the Mbokonavera 3. Grateful that your support has extended beyond institutional training to community engagement, especially reaching out to our youths and children. This is a commendable initiative, and I sincerely thank the JGSDF for your commitment and meaningful contribution at the community level.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Ambassador Keiichi Hagiuchi, Lieutenant Colonel Shimomura, the project manager from the Japanese Ministry of Defence, the instructors from JGSDF, and all officials and delegates from Japan,” Mr Ramoni said.

He said that without your steadfast support and cooperation, this training would not have achieved its success.

The knowledge and skills imparted during this program will undoubtedly strengthen our EOD personnel in carrying out their responsibilities in a professional, efficient, and safe manner.

Mr Ramoni said EOD participants have gained valuable additional knowledge and practical skills throughout the training and continue building on what they have learned to strengthen their teamwork and leadership and to apply these competencies in their operational duties. I am confident that this training has added significant value to the development of the RSIPF EOD Department.