Police Rescue Ghanaian Fisherman, Others Abducted By Sea Pirates In Akwa Ibom

Marine Police operatives on the coastal waters of Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom State have rescued a Ghanaian Fisherman and others abducted by Sea – pirates.

Disclosing this to Journalists at the Command’s headquarters Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the State capital, the Police Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, stated that the feat was achieved through credible intelligence volunteered by concerned local residents.

“The Command successfully rescued victims of an alleged sea piracy and abduction incident along the waterways of Ibeno Local Government Area,” she stated.

According to DSP John, “information was received that a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, had been attacked and abducted by suspected sea pirates while travelling towards the Atlantic Ocean.”

However, acting on intelligence, personnel of the Asawana Mobile Police Base, she recalled, were immediately mobilised to the area, adding that the operatives subsequently encountered the suspected pirates around the ocean boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, resulting in 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,” she stressed.

DSP John listed the items recovered from the scene to include one 200HP outboard engine, one 40HP outboard engine with a W23 flying boat, five 40HP outboard engines, three 9.9HP outboard engines, five containers of mixed PMS, four empty containers, three gas cylinders, mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, one power bank, one starter motor battery, one torchlight and an identity card bearing a NIN number, among other items.

Applauding the gallantry of his men, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Mohammed Azare, urged the officers and men involved in both operations to sustain their courage, professionalism, vigilance and prompt response to emergency situations.

The Commissioner equally appreciated members of the affected communities whose timely information and cooperation contributed significantly to the successes recorded, stressing that effective policing remains a shared responsibility between the Police and the public.

CP Azare warned individuals and criminal networks involved in the vandalisation of critical infrastructure, sea piracy, abduction and other forms of violent crimes that the Command will continue to identify, pursue and bring offenders to justice within the ambit of the law.

He further reiterated that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

As a Command, Azare, urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police through appropriate channels. Members of the public are also strongly advised not to confront suspected criminals or take the law into their own hands, but to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the Police.

“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,” he assured.