The Cross River State Police Command has intensified community engagement and vigilance across the state’s waterways as part of efforts to prevent maritime crimes and improve the safety of riverine communities.
The initiative is being implemented under Operation Velvet Marine, with the Marine Police recently engaging representatives of 21 fishing settlements at the Dolphin Marine Base, Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The engagement brought together stakeholders from Tiger, Efik, Nsere, Ikpaedok, Natonda and Okon Beaches, among others, to discuss the safety and security of the waterways, welfare of fishermen and stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said stakeholders were encouraged to strengthen lawful community-based vigilance mechanisms and promptly report suspicious activities to the Marine Police and other security agencies.
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He said, “the command also received feedback on the safety, welfare and operational concerns of fishermen, which would be assessed for appropriate follow-up.”
To strengthen emergency response, the Command disseminated its emergency contact numbers to the participating communities.
The police urged fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to use the numbers to report distress situations, suspicious activities, threats and other credible information requiring police attention.
The command said, “timely information remains critical to preventing maritime crimes and responding effectively to emerging security threats.”
It reaffirmed its commitment to visibility patrols, intelligence-led operations and sustained engagement with riverine communities to ensure safer waterways and protect lives, property and legitimate maritime livelihoods in Cross River State.
