By Sylvia Akpan
The Cross River State Police Command has intensified security operations along the state’s waterways, urging riverine communities and maritime stakeholders to strengthen vigilance and promptly report suspicious activities.
The Command said the move is part of efforts to deepen Operation Velvet Marine, an ongoing initiative aimed at improving safety and security across Cross River’s maritime domain.
As part of the operation, the State Marine Police held a stakeholders’ engagement on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Dolphin Marine Base in Calabar, bringing together 21 representatives from fishing settlements, including Tiger, Efik, Nsere, Ikpaedok, Natonda and Okon Beaches.
The engagement focused on the safety and security of the waterways, the welfare of fishermen and the need for stronger collaboration between riverine communities and security agencies.
The Police encouraged residents to strengthen lawful community-based vigilance mechanisms and work with recognized community security structures, where appropriate, while maintaining close coordination with the Marine Police and other security agencies.
According to the Command through its spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, stakeholders also raised concerns about the safety, welfare and operations of fishermen within the waterways.
The issues, the police said, have been documented for assessment and possible follow-up with relevant authorities, stressing that complaints and information received from members of the public would be properly verified before conclusions or further action are taken.
To improve emergency response and the flow of security information, the Command disseminated its emergency contact numbers, 07041777060 and 07053355415, to the participating communities.
Fishermen and other maritime stakeholders were urged to use the numbers to report distress situations, suspicious activities, threats and other credible information requiring police intervention.
The Command said timely information from residents remains critical to preventing maritime crimes and enabling security agencies to respond effectively to emerging threats.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, said the Police would sustain visibility patrols, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder engagement and collaboration with other security agencies across the state’s waterways.
The Command also called on riverine communities and maritime stakeholders to remain vigilant, law-abiding and cooperative, assuring them of its commitment to protecting lives and property while safeguarding legitimate maritime livelihoods across the state.
Short Link:
Leave feedback about this