The Nigerian navy has imposed a 13-hour movement restriction along the Calabar–Oron water channel to curb piracy and smuggling
- +Nigerian Navy Imposes 13-Hour Movement Restriction On Calabar–Oron Waterway
The Nigerian Navy has imposed a 13-hour restriction on movement along the Calabar–Oron water channel as part of intensified efforts to curb rising criminality in the area.
The Nigerian Navy has imposed a 13-hour restriction on movement along the Calabar–Oron water channel as part of intensified efforts to curb rising criminality in the area.
The measure is aimed at tackling incidents such as piracy, smuggling, and other unlawful activities that have recently increased along the route.
The Navy stated that the restriction will enhance surveillance and improve response times, while also assuring legitimate waterway users that steps are being taken to restore safety and security.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said: “To consolidate operational gains and choke criminal activity, a 13-hour restriction on maritime movement from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. has been enforced within the operational area.”
“In a series of aggressive clearance operations, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka stormed Dayspring Island following the recent surge in kidnappings and related criminal activities.
“The rapid offensive forced suspected militants to abandon their positions and flee upon contact with advancing naval troops. Maintaining relentless pressure, Nigerian Navy personnel, in conjunction with troops of the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade, secured key waterways and denied the criminals freedom of movement.
“Exploitation of the area led to the discovery and destruction of a militant hideout linked to a notorious suspect known as ‘Juju’ in the Idung axis. The suspect fled in disarray, abandoning two boats fitted with outboard engines, which were immediately seized. The hideout was subsequently demolished to eliminate its future use as a criminal sanctuary.
Further tightening the noose, troops tracked and apprehended one suspected informant providing support to the militant network.”
The suspect, Folorunsho said, is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation, and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
