The outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi, says the Nigerian Navy has ridden Calabar water channels of piracy, smuggling, militancy and oil bunkering.
Oderemi, who made this known during his handing over in Calabar,  noted that the ridding of the waterways  had brought relative peace and easy 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 Oron bypass and Bakassi axis of the nation’s maritime environment.
Commodore Oderemi, during his farewell parade at the NNS Victory parade ground in Calabar, said these achievements were made despite obvious challenges.
Oderemi, now the Director of Simulation, Headquarters, Naval Doctrine Command, Lagos, also commended other security agencies for their synergy, especially in  information sharing.
“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.
He continued 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, had pledged to replicate, if not surpass, his predecessor’s achievements at the base.

By: Chinedu Wosu