The Cross River State police command says it will soon embark on Operation VELVET at the Dolphin Marine Base to curb piracy and other maritime crimes in the Calabar waterways,
Between April and August 2026, there was a resurgence of abductions in Calabar, with three reported cases on the waterways; however, joint forces of the navy, police and authorities in neighbouring Akwa Ibom and Cross River States ensured the safe return of the victims.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, said the launch of Operation Velvet is aimed at extending the security offensive beyond land to the State’s maritime corridors.
The Commissioner disclosed this in Calabar on Monday, when he ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Formations across the state to heighten security and intensify highly visible, intelligence-driven patrols ahead of the 2026 Ember season and the forthcoming Yuletide season.
He said, “The maritime operation will complement intensified land patrols and strengthen surveillance and security coverage across the waterways, particularly during the festive season.”
Ordue warned criminal elements that the Command is fully prepared to disrupt their activities and ensure that no security gap is left open for exploitation.
Also, during the Command’s weekly briefing, against the backdrop of the expected influx of people into the State and increased commercial and social activities during the festive period, he directed commanders to sustain strategic deployments, intensify patrols and effective surveillance of crime-prone areas, major entry and exit routes, markets, motor parks, business districts and other public spaces.
He maintained that they would not wait for criminals to strike but would move ahead of them.
“Every commander must take responsibility for the security of his area and ensure that the presence of the Police is seen and sustained”, he warned.
Piracy: Police to launch maritime security onslaught in Calabar