CROSS RIVER POLICE LAUNCHES OPERATION VELVET MARINE TO COMBAT PIRACY, SEA ROBBERY, SMUGGLING AND OTHER MARITIME CRIMES

CROSS RIVER STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

CROSS RIVER POLICE LAUNCHES OPERATION VELVET MARINE TO COMBAT PIRACY, SEA ROBBERY, SMUGGLING AND OTHER MARITIME CRIMES

……assures heightened surveillance ahead of the Ember Season

The Cross River State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, *CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp* has officially launched Operation Velvet Marine, a specialised maritime security operation designed to strengthen security across the State’s waterways and protect legitimate maritime activities.

The operation was launched today, Friday, 11 September 2026, at the Dolphin Marine Base, Calabar, by the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp.

Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner described the operation 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 to operate with professionalism, discipline and accountability, while upholding human rights and maintaining close operational cooperation with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other relevant security agencies.
According to the State Marine Officer, CSP Frankline Mbah, http://B.Tech, MNSE, COREN, Operation Velvet Marine will deploy daily visibility patrols, intelligence-led operations, joint patrols and community engagement to deter and combat piracy, sea robbery, smuggling and other maritime crimes, while providing security cover for commuters, fishermen and maritime businesses.
The operation will cover the waterways of Cross River State, with particular focus on the Calabar Channel, Qua River, Great Kwa River and adjoining creeks, with a view to strengthening police visibility and response capability across the maritime domain.
The Command is also calling on riverine communities and maritime stakeholders to support the operation by providing timely and credible information that can assist security agencies in preventing and responding to maritime crimes.
Operation Velvet Marine will be sustained throughout the Ember Season and beyond, reinforcing the Command’s commitment to safer waterways, the protection of lives and property, and a secure environment for maritime commerce, legitimate livelihoods and investment in Cross River State.
The Commissioner of Police reassures residents, maritime operators and visitors to the State that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to securing Cross River State and ensuring that criminal elements are denied the freedom to exploit the waterways for unlawful activities.

E-signed:
ASP EITOKPAH SUNDAY AKATA, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command
11th September 2026