Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have successfully rescued victims of sea pirates who were abducted while traveling towards the Atlantic Ocean. The rescue operation occurred after personnel of the Asawana Mobile Police Base received a distress call on September 30, 2026. The victims, including groups of fishermen and a Ghanaian national, were reportedly attacked by sea pirates.
According to a press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the rescue operation was carried out after the police received information about the abduction. The operatives were immediately mobilized to the area, where they encountered the suspected pirates around the ocean boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
An exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the suspected pirates abandoning their boat and escaping into a nearby creek. The police successfully rescued the victims unharmed. The operation led to the recovery of several items, including outboard engines, containers of fuel, mobile phones, and other equipment.
The recovered items 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.
The rescue operation demonstrates the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State police to combat sea piracy and ensure the safety of citizens and foreigners in the state's waterways. The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities to prevent such attacks.
The victims, including the Ghanaian national, were traveling towards the Atlantic Ocean when they were attacked. The police have not released further details about the identities of the victims or the suspected pirates. The incident is a reminder of the risks faced by fishermen and other individuals who use the state's waterways for their livelihood.
The Akwa Ibom State police have been working to improve security in the state's waterways, and the rescue operation is a testament to their efforts. The police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities and to cooperate with them in their efforts to maintain peace and security in the state.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State police rescued victims of sea pirates, including groups of fishermen and a Ghanaian citizen, along the waterways of Ibeno Local Government Area.
- The rescue operation was carried out after the police received a distress call and resulted in the recovery of several items, including outboard engines and containers of fuel.
- The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities to prevent sea piracy in the state's waterways.
