Piracy: Police to launch maritime security onslaught in Calabar

The Cross River State police will soon launch Operation VELVET at the Dolphin Marine Base to combat piracy and other maritime crimes in the Calabar waterways. Between April and August 2026, three abduction cases were reported, but joint forces from the navy and police ensured the safe return of the victims. Police Commissioner Ajo Geoffrey Ordue ordered Area Commanders and Heads of Formations to heighten security and increase intelligence-driven patrols ahead of the festive season.