Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued a Ghanaian fisherman and several other victims allegedly abducted by suspected sea pirates along the coastal waters of Ibeno Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were rescued during a Marine Police operation launched following credible intelligence provided by concerned residents in the affected community.
Key Highlights
- Akwa Ibom Police rescued a Ghanaian fisherman and other victims allegedly abducted by suspected sea pirates.
- The operation was conducted by Marine Police operatives following intelligence from residents.
- Police engaged the suspected pirates in a gun duel near the Akwa Ibom-Rivers maritime boundary.
- The suspects reportedly abandoned their boat and escaped into a nearby creek.
- Police recovered several outboard engines, PMS containers, gas cylinders, mobile phones and SIM cards.
- The Police Commissioner urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
Police Rescue Victims From Suspected Pirates
Speaking to journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the victims were rescued unharmed following a coordinated response by security operatives.
According to her, the Command received information that a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, had been attacked and abducted by suspected sea pirates while travelling towards the Atlantic Ocean.
She said officers attached to the Asawana Mobile Police Base were immediately deployed to the area after the intelligence was received.
The operatives subsequently intercepted the suspected pirates around the maritime boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“The suspected pirates eventually abandoned their boat and escaped into a nearby creek, while the Police successfully rescued the victims unharmed,” DSP John stated.
Police Recover Outboard Engines, Other Items
DSP John said several items were recovered during the operation.
The recovered exhibits included one 200-horsepower outboard engine, one 40-horsepower outboard engine with a W23 flying boat, five additional 40-horsepower outboard engines and three 9.9-horsepower outboard engines.
Other items recovered were five containers containing mixed Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), four empty containers, three gas cylinders, mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, a power bank, a starter motor battery, a torchlight and an identity card bearing a National Identification Number (NIN), among other exhibits.
The recovery, according to the Police, would form part of the evidence in the ongoing efforts to track and apprehend those allegedly involved in the maritime crime.
Police Commissioner Commends Operatives, Residents
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism during the rescue operation.
He urged officers involved to remain vigilant and sustain their commitment to combating crime across the state.
Azare also praised members of the affected communities for providing timely and useful information that contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
He said effective policing requires strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and members of the public.
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Police Warns Sea Pirates, Criminal Elements
The Commissioner warned criminal elements involved in sea piracy, kidnapping, vandalism of critical infrastructure and other violent crimes that the Command would continue to identify, pursue and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.
He reiterated that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Azare further appealed to residents to remain security-conscious and continue to provide credible information to the Police through appropriate channels.
He advised members of the public against confronting suspected criminals or taking the law into their own hands, urging them instead to promptly report suspicious persons and activities to security agencies.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” Azare assured.
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