The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully rescued a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, who were allegedly abducted by sea pirates along the waterways of Ibeno Local Government Area. The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m. The police received information that the fishermen had been attacked and abducted while travelling towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Operatives of the Asawana Mobile Police Base were deployed and encountered the suspected pirates around the ocean boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspected pirates eventually abandoned their boat and escaped through a nearby creek, while the police rescued the victims unharmed. The rescue operation was a significant success for the police, who have been working to curb sea piracy in the area.
The police recovered several items suspected to have been abandoned by the criminals, including one 200HP outboard engine, one 40HP engine with a W23 flying boat, five 40HP outboard engines, and three 9.9HP engines. Additionally, they recovered five containers of mixed PMS, four empty containers, three gas cylinders, mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, a power bank, starter motor battery, torchlight, and an identity card bearing a National Identification Number.
In a separate operation, the Command arrested two suspects over the alleged vandalisation of a community transformer in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area on October 1. The suspects, identified as 31-year-old Chinedu Onwe from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and 35-year-old Enobong Jonah from Otoro Abak Village, Abak Local Government Area, were arrested following a police pursuit.
The suspects allegedly opened fire at police operatives during the pursuit before abandoning their vehicle and fleeing into a nearby bush. The police recovered three large transformer solenoids, a live cartridge, electrical tools, a steel cutter, a Tecno mobile phone, a tricycle allegedly used to transport the vandalised components, and a red minibus with registration number ABIA 986 SSM.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved in both operations for their prompt response, vigilance, and professionalism. He appreciated members of the affected communities for providing information that contributed to the operations. Azare warned criminal networks involved in critical infrastructure vandalism, sea piracy, abduction, and other violent crimes that the Command would continue to pursue offenders within the law.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities, while warning members of the public against confronting suspected criminals or taking the law into their own hands. The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing crime, and maintaining security across Akwa Ibom State.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State Police Command rescued a group of fishermen abducted by sea pirates and recovered six outboard engines.
- The police arrested two suspects for the alleged vandalisation of a community transformer in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
- The Commissioner of Police commended the officers for their prompt response and warned criminal networks to desist from violent crimes.
