The outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi says the Nigerian Navy has rid Calabar water channels of piracy, smuggling, militancy and oil bunkering.

Oderemi said this during his handing over on Wednesday in Calabar, adding that the development 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 Rotimi Oderemi, during his farewell parade at the NNS Victory parade ground in Calabar

According to him, these achievements were made despite obvious challenges.

Oderemi, who is now the Director of Simulation, Headquarters, Naval Doctrine Command, Lagos, also commended other security agencies for their synergy, especially in the area of 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 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 had pledged to replicate, if not surpass, his predecessor’s achievements at the base.

Police Command in Ogun has called on residents of communities in the state to stop early report of conflicts to prevent incessant clashes and community disorder.

The command’s Spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, who gave the advice in a statement in Abeokuta on Wednesday, stated that the call became necessary in order to ensure serenity in the communities.

“The advice followed the directive by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Lanre Ogunlowo, as a result of disputes between farmers and herders in Olugbo and adjoining village in the state.

“He ordered an organisation of stakeholders’ meeting for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the communities,

“The CP strongly condemn incessant cases of crop destruction and cattle killings arising from disputes between farmers and herders in the community” Odutola said

According to her, in a swift reaction, the police command, through its Odeda Division, convened Security Consultation/Stakeholders’ Meeting on Tuesday to prevent further break down of law and order.

“Other key resolutions reached included peace and tolerance among all ethnic groups to embrace peace and tolerate one another.

“There is need for compulsory collaboration with the police to enhance commitment to swift intervention in any emerging disputes to prevent violence.

“The police command remains committed to peace through full cooperation to maintain peace and security in the region,” she said.

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for Paris, France, on a private visit en route to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

“In Addis Ababa, President Tinubu will join African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, scheduled for Feb. 12th to 16th.

“The president will arrive in Addis Ababa early next week for the AU summit,” Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

He said while in France, President Tinubu would meet with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron.