Police Foil Sea Pirates’ Attack, Recover Assault Rifle, Others

Marine police operatives stationed for effective surveillance of the waterways of Oron local government area of Akwa Ibom State have foiled a suspected attack by sea pirates, recovering a pump – action rifle and two speedboats.

DSP Timfon John, the police spokesperson, disclosed this at the state command headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the state capital, yesterday.

She said the repelling of the criminal elements followed immediate response to credible intelligence.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to prevent criminal activities and protect lives and property, particularly within the state’s riverine and coastal communities.

“At about 0605 hours on Tuesday, 8th September, 2026, operatives of the Marine Police, Oron, acting on credible intelligence regarding a planned kidnapping operation within Oron LGA, embarked on a joint intelligence-led operation with marine hunters, to a suspected criminal camp on\ the Calabar–Oron Channel.

“The operation was targeted at disrupting the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly planning to carry out a kidnapping operation within the Oron axis.”

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), some incriminating items including one Jojeef English pump-action gun and two cartridges were recovered, as the suspects fled into the shrub.

Also, operatives, DSP John added, seized one white rope two speedboats, three 200 Horse Power (HP) outboard engines and one 15 Horse Power (HP) outboard engine.

The recovered items, she stated, have been secured in custody with proper documentation for further necessary investigative action.

“The operation is part of the Command’s sustained intelligence-led and proactive policing strategy aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks before they are able to execute their plans.

“The Command remains particularly focused on denying criminal elements the opportunity to exploit the State’s waterways as operational corridors, hideouts or escape routes. Accordingly, Marine Police operatives have continued to maintain heightened vigilance across strategic waterways and coastal communities.

“The Police reassure residents, particularly those in riverine communities, boat operators, fishermen and other waterways’ users, that the waterways and surrounding areas remain calm and peaceful, with no incident reported following the operation,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, (CP), Baba Azare, has commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and effective utilisation of actionable intelligence,” reaffirming the Command’s commitment to deploying intelligence, operational resources and strategic partnerships to proactively prevent crime and safeguard the people.

Besides, the CP expressed appreciation to the Marine Hunters for their invaluable support, courage and operational commitment during the joint operation and urged them to sustain their support and cooperation with the Police and other security agencies in the collective effort to protect the waterways and coastal communities.