The Nigerian Navy said it has rid Calabar water channels of piracy, smuggling, militancy and oil bunkering.

The outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory (NNS), Commodore Rotimi Oderemi, disclosed this during his handing over on Wednesday in Calabar.

Oderemi said the development had brought relative peace and ease of movement of goods through the Calabar waterways.

He said this was made possible through the deployment of platforms and other layers covering the entire Calabar channels up to the Oron bypass and Bakassi axis of the nation’s maritime environment.

Oderemi, who is also the Director of Simulation, Headquarters, Naval Doctrine Command, Lagos, commended other security agencies for their synergy, especially in the area of information sharing.

He said, “When I first arrived, I understood the complexities and unique challenges faced in this area of operation.

“This area comes with its own set of security concerns, ranging from combating piracy/sea robbery, smuggling, illegal oil bunkering, cultism and militancy, to safeguarding our economic assets and ensuring the safety of the people.

“It has been a task that required unwavering dedication, courage, and collaboration. Through relentless dedication and teamwork, we made measurable progress, striving to create a safer and more secure maritime environment.”

He said that the accomplishments were not achieved in isolation as the collaborations with host communities, government agencies and other partners were instrumental in achieving the successes.

The former FOC noted that NNS Victory would continue to contribute to the growth and development of the nation’s economy even with his departure.

He attributed his success during his tour of duty at NNS Victory to the officers and men of the command, who were loyal and willing to contribute their quota to secure the nation’s waterways.

According to him, “Through the collaborative efforts of all, we also had some boats repaired while some trees were acquired.

“The result of all this is that people can now do their legal businesses in peace. To other security agencies, I want you to extend to my successor the synergy we had during my tour of duty here.”

Meanwhile, the new FOC of the NNS Victory, Commodore Adejumobi Oride has pledged to replicate and surpass his predecessor’s achievements at the base.