Marine police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have successfully rescued a Ghanaian fisherman and other victims who were allegedly abducted by suspected sea pirates. The rescue operation took place along the coastal waters of Ibeno Local Government Area of the state. According to reports, the police received credible intelligence from residents, which led them to intercept the suspected pirates near the maritime boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.
The rescue operation was carried out by officers of the Asawana Mobile Police Base, who were mobilized to the area following the intelligence. A gun battle reportedly ensued, forcing the suspected pirates to abandon their boat and flee into a nearby creek. The police were able to rescue the abducted fishermen without sustaining any injuries. Several items were recovered from the scene, including boats, outboard engines, fuel containers, mobile phones, and other essential items.
The Spokesperson of the Police Command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed that the victims were rescued along the waterways of Ibeno. The police received information that a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, had been attacked and abducted by suspected sea pirates while traveling towards the Atlantic Ocean. Acting on the intelligence, personnel of the Asawana Mobile Police Base were immediately mobilized to the area to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The operation resulted in the recovery of several items, including one 200-horsepower outboard engine, one 40-horsepower outboard engine with a W23 flying boat, five 40-horsepower outboard engines, and three 9.9-horsepower outboard engines. Other items recovered were five containers of mixed Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), four empty containers, three gas cylinders, mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, a power bank, a starter motor battery, a torchlight, and an identity card bearing a National Identification Number (NIN).
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved in the operation and urged them to sustain their courage, professionalism, vigilance, and prompt response to emergencies. Azare also commended residents of the affected communities for providing information that enabled the police to respond swiftly to the incident. He stressed that effective policing requires cooperation between security agencies and members of the public.
The Commissioner warned individuals and criminal networks involved in sea piracy, abduction, vandalization of critical infrastructure, and other violent crimes that the Command would continue to identify, pursue, and bring them to justice in accordance with the law. Azare urged residents, particularly those living and operating around the state’s coastal communities, to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to the police through appropriate channels.
The Akwa Ibom Police Command has assured residents that they remain committed to protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state. The Command’s efforts to curb sea piracy and other violent crimes in the state have been commended by residents and stakeholders, who are hopeful that the security situation in the area will continue to improve.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom Police Command rescued a Ghanaian fisherman and other victims abducted by suspected sea pirates along the coastal waters of Ibeno Local Government Area.
- The rescue operation was carried out by Marine Police operatives following credible intelligence from residents.
- The police recovered several items from the scene, including boats, outboard engines, fuel containers, and mobile phones.
