Cross River Police Launches Operation Velvet Marine to Combat Piracy, Sea Robbery, Smuggling
Police deploy enhanced maritime surveillance across Calabar Channel, Qua River, Great Kwa River and adjoining creeks ahead of Ember Season
The Cross River State Police Command has launched Operation Velvet Marine, a specialised maritime security operation aimed at combating piracy, sea robbery, smuggling and other maritime crimes across the state’s waterways.
The operation was officially launched on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Dolphin Marine Base, Calabar, by the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp.
According to the Police Command, the operation is designed to strengthen maritime security, increase police visibility on the waterways and protect legitimate maritime activities, particularly as the state approaches the Ember Season.
Cross River Police Responds to IGP’s Maritime Security Directive
Speaking during the launch, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue described Operation Velvet Marine as a strategic response to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to strengthen maritime security, dominate the waterways and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
The Commissioner charged Marine Police personnel deployed for the operation to maintain professionalism, discipline and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
He also directed the personnel to uphold human rights while maintaining close operational cooperation with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other relevant security agencies.
Operation Velvet Marine to Increase Waterway Patrols
The State Marine Officer, CSP Frankline Mbah, B.Tech, MNSE, COREN, said the operation would involve daily visibility patrols, intelligence-led operations, joint patrols and community engagement.
He said the measures are intended to deter and combat piracy, sea robbery, smuggling and other maritime crimes while providing security cover for boat commuters, fishermen, maritime businesses and other legitimate users of the waterways.
The enhanced security operation is expected to improve the ability of the Police Command to detect, prevent and respond to criminal activities occurring within Cross River State’s maritime domain.
Calabar Channel, Qua River, Great Kwa River Under Focus
Operation Velvet Marine will cover waterways across Cross River State, with particular attention given to the Calabar Channel, Qua River, Great Kwa River and adjoining creeks.
The Police Command said the focus is to strengthen police visibility, surveillance and response capabilities in areas vulnerable to maritime criminal activities.
The operation is also expected to enhance the safety of residents and businesses whose livelihoods depend on the state’s waterways.
Police Seek Support From Riverine Communities
The Cross River State Police Command has called on riverine communities, maritime operators and other stakeholders to support Operation Velvet Marine by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The Command said intelligence and cooperation from members of the public would assist security personnel in preventing and responding effectively to piracy, sea robbery, smuggling and other maritime crimes.
Operation to Continue Through Ember Season
The Police Command said Operation Velvet Marine will be sustained throughout the Ember Season and beyond as part of its broader commitment to securing Cross River State’s waterways.
The operation is expected to contribute to the protection of lives and property while creating a safer environment for maritime commerce, legitimate livelihoods, transportation and investment in the state.
CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue reassured residents, maritime operators and visitors to Cross River State that the Police Command remains committed to securing the state and denying criminal elements the opportunity to exploit its waterways for unlawful activities.
The Commissioner urged all law-abiding residents and maritime stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies as the Command intensifies efforts to maintain safe and secure waterways across Cross River State.
About Operation Velvet Marine
Operation Velvet Marine is a specialised maritime security initiative of the Cross River State Police Command focused on strengthening security operations across the state’s waterways through patrols, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and community engagement.
The operation targets maritime crimes including piracy, sea robbery, smuggling and other unlawful activities and will cover strategic waterways and adjoining creeks across Cross River State.
E-signed:
ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command
September 11, 2026
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