By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued fishermen allegedly abducted by suspected sea pirates and arrested two suspected transformer vandals in separate operations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the transformer vandals were arrested after operatives intercepted a vehicle carrying components allegedly removed from a community transformer in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly opened fire on the Police before abandoning their vehicle and fleeing into a bush. A search operation, supported by community members, led to the arrest of Chinedu Onwe, 31, and Enobong Jonah, 35.
Police recovered transformer solenoids, a live cartridge, electrical tools, a steel cutter, a tricycle and a red minibus, among other items.
In a separate operation, Police operatives rescued a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, who were allegedly abducted by sea pirates along the waterways of Ibeno LGA.
The suspects reportedly engaged the Police in a gun battle near the Akwa Ibom-Rivers boundary before escaping into a creek.
Several outboard engines, a flying boat, PMS containers, gas cylinders, mobile phones and 29 SIM cards were recovered.
Commissioner of Police CP Baba Mohammed Azare commended the officers and members of the affected communities for their swift response and cooperation.
He warned criminals involved in sea piracy, abduction and vandalism of critical infrastructure that the Command would continue to pursue them within the law.
The Police urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that the arrested suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.
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