By Abdullahi InuwaÂ
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have thwarted an alleged kidnapping operation in Oron, recovering a pump-action firearm, ammunition, two speedboats and several outboard engines from a suspected criminal hideout.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, September 8, followed credible intelligence indicating that a suspected criminal syndicate was preparing to launch a kidnapping operation around the Oron axis.
Acting on the information, operatives of the Marine Police in Oron, working alongside Marine Hunters, moved to a suspected camp located along the Calabar–Oron Channel at about 6:05 a.m.
The security team reportedly caught the suspected criminals off guard, but the suspects fled the area before the operatives arrived at the camp.
A search of the location led to the recovery of one Jojeef English pump-action gun, two cartridges and a white rope suspected to have been prepared for criminal activities.
Also recovered were two speedboats, three 200-horsepower outboard engines and one 15-horsepower outboard engine.
The Police said the recovered items have been secured and documented as investigations continue.
The latest operation forms part of the Command’s intelligence-driven strategy to detect and disrupt criminal activities before they are carried out, particularly in the State’s riverine communities and waterways.
The Police said greater attention is being paid to waterways that could be used by criminals as routes for launching attacks, hiding after operations or escaping across State boundaries.
The Command assured residents of Oron and other riverine communities that the waterways remain peaceful following the operation. Boat operators, fishermen and other users were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the Marine Police operatives for their professionalism and courage in acting swiftly on the intelligence received.
Azare also praised the Marine Hunters for their support during the operation, urging them to maintain their cooperation with the Police and other security agencies in securing the State’s waterways.
The Commissioner warned kidnappers, armed criminals and other violent offenders that Akwa Ibom would not be allowed to become a safe haven or staging ground for criminal operations.
He particularly cautioned criminals attempting to operate across State borders, saying the Command would continue to deploy intelligence, manpower and strategic partnerships to prevent their activities.
The Police appealed to residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious persons, vessels, movements or activities within their communities.
The Command maintained that the security of Akwa Ibom remains a collective responsibility and pledged to sustain proactive operations aimed at protecting lives and property across the State.
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