MNDF, Police Chiefs Summoned to Parliament Over Maritime Incidents

Member of Parliament for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), has requested the Parliament to summon the leadership of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service regarding tragic incidents occurring during maritime operations conducted by the security services.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the People's Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the member highlighted that four officers have lost their lives over the past four months during special maritime operations conducted either jointly or independently by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service.

Specifically, he highlighted the incident in May 2026 where Sergeant Mahdi passed away while diving to locate Italian divers, and the death of Sergeant Ahmed Asif on June 11, 2026, during a maritime drug enforcement operation. He also noted the disappearance of MNDF’s Ibrahim Ahmed and Police Officer Ahmed Nafiu following a maritime incident on August 6, 2026.

MP Ibrahim stated that four officers have recently lost their lives in separate incidents while performing their official duties. He noted that there is no evidence of any investigations being conducted to determine the causes of these incidents, ensure they do not recur, or identify any potential negligence or failure to fulfill responsibilities. Consequently, he requested that relevant officials from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service be summoned to the Parliament's Committee on Security Services to hold the relevant authorities accountable.

Furthermore, Member Ibrahim’s letter highlighted several additional concerns. Among these was a request to determine whether any official government agency had conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four MNDF and police officers while on duty. The member also proposed that if no such investigation was conducted, the reasons for the omission be identified. Conversely, if an investigation had taken place, he sought clarification on whether the findings indicated any negligence or failure to fulfill professional responsibilities by any party.

Furthermore, the member questioned the established safety protocols for officers and other standards governing such maritime operations. The inquiry sought clarification on whether these standards or procedures are formally documented and implemented, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure their enforcement. The member also proposed an investigation into whether operational safety standards were followed during these incidents. This includes determining whether any administrative or other forms of investigation or formal inquiries have been conducted.

The member stated that he seeks clarification on the measures taken to rectify any negligence identified following investigations into incidents such as the cave diving accident and the death of a Police Drug Enforcement Department officer. Furthermore, citing the recent disappearance of an MNDF officer during an operation to rescue a sinking vessel near Gaafu Alif Atoll and the case of the missing police officer, he proposed to clarify the established risk assessment protocols followed when embarking on such high-risk operations.

Furthermore, the member questioned whether the training provided to security personnel and the equipment used in their operations have been modernized in line with current technological advancements. The member also inquired about the assurances that would be given to address public concerns regarding the security protocols of these institutions, following the repeated occurrence of such incidents.

Furthermore, the member highlighted several additional matters in the letter.