Police, EFCC Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims On Oron-Calabar Waterways

After almost two weeks in kidnappers’ den, all the 14 passengers including some Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) candidates abducted on their way from the neighbouring Cross River to write the Computer-based Test (CBT) in Akwa Ibom centres have been rescued, LEADERSHIP learnt yesterday.

A series of condemnations by parents and other concerned Nigerians had trailed the unpopular decision by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) led by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to risk the lives of young Nigerians by forcing them to write the test in far-away places other their states of origin, leading to some unpleasant consequences of avoidable accidents, robbery and kidnappings.

Moved by the plights of the kidnapped victims who were seized by sea pirates, the senator representing the Eket Senatorial District (Akwa Ibom South), DrEkong Sampson, took the matter before the Senate’s plenary, seeking urgent intervention to rescue the victims.

However, the Akwa Ibom State commissioner of police (CP), Baba Azare, in conjunction with his Cross River counterpart including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other para-military agencies had swung into operation, leading to the rescue of all the 14 victims unhurt while their abductors escaped.

Confirming the development in Uyo, the state capital, the police command spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the feat was achieved through a coordinated raid on the waterways acting on intelligence volunteered by concerned local residents.

She said: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in a coordinated joint operation with operatives of the EFCC, has successfully secured the release of all 14 victims abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.

“The operation followed sustained intelligence-driven efforts, robust inter-agency collaboration, and relentless pressure mounted on criminal elements operating within the maritime corridor.

“Acting on credible intelligence, joint operatives intensified surveillance and launched targeted operations across identified flashpoints, culminating in the safe rescue of all victims without any loss of life.

“The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and treatment, alongside necessary debriefing, before being reunited with their families.

“The CP Baba Azare, commended the professionalism, synergy, and operational efficiency demonstrated by personnel of both agencies. He noted that the success recorded underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in addressing complex security challenges.”

Meanwhile, she stated that efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend the perpetrators behind the abduction, assuring that “all those involved will be identified and brought to justice.”

“The CP further reassures residents, maritime operators, and the general public of enhanced security presence along the waterways and urges continued cooperation through the provision of timely and credible information.

“He also warned criminal elements to desist from all forms of illegal activities or face decisive and coordinated action from law enforcement agencies.

“The Command remains resolute, proactive, and fully committed to safeguarding lives and property across all domains,” DSP John stressed.