By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has intensified security operations on the state’s waterways through increased engagement with riverine communities and maritime stakeholders.
The command said the measure was part of efforts to strengthen Operation Velvet Marine and improve security across the state’s maritime domain.
The State Marine Police held a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday at the Dolphin Marine Base, Calabar, with 21 representatives from fishing settlements, including Tiger, Efik, Nsere, Ikpaedok, Natonda and Okon beaches.
The meeting focused on the safety of the waterways, welfare of fishermen and closer cooperation between riverine communities and security agencies.
The stakeholders were urged to strengthen lawful community vigilance and promptly report suspicious activities to the Marine Police and other security agencies.
The command also received complaints and feedback from the fishermen on issues affecting their safety, welfare and operations, saying the concerns would be assessed and referred to relevant authorities where necessary.
It said information and complaints received from members of the public would be verified before further action was taken.
The police also released emergency contact numbers 07041777060 and 07053355415 to the participating communities.
Fishermen and other maritime operators were advised to use the numbers to report distress situations, suspicious activities, threats and other incidents requiring police intervention.
The command said it would sustain patrols, intelligence-led operations and engagement with riverine communities as part of efforts to curb maritime crimes.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, signed the statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.
