By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Police operatives from Akwa Ibom State Command, on Wednesday, rescued kidnapped fishermen including a Ghanaian National after an exchange of gunfire against suspected sea pirates along Ibeno waterways in Akwa Ibom State.
The victims were adopted by the sea pirates while traveling towards the Atlantic Ocean on their fishing business.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare who briefed journalists on the development on Friday, said that the success followed credible information which the operatives swiftly acted on.
“At about 0700 hours on 30th September 2026, 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.
“Personnel of the Asawana Mobile Police Base were immediately mobilised to the area. The operatives subsequently encountered the suspected pirates around the ocean boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, resulting in an exchange of gunfire,” CP Azare said.
CP Azare adde that the suspected pirates eventually abandoned their boat and escaped into a nearby creek, while the Police successfully rescued the victims unharmed.
Items recovered from the scene 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.
In a separate operation, the Police have arrested two suspected persons allegedly linked to vandalization of a community transformer in Mkpat Enin Local Government area of the state.
They were arrested on October 1, 2026 along Etinan route while transporting the vandalized components in a tricycle before transferring the items into a stationed minibus. CP Azare said.
According to the Commissioner, the suspects were identified as Chinedu Onwe, 31, male, of Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, and Enobong Jonah, 35, male, of Otoro Abak Village, Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
“During the ensuing pursuit, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the Police before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing into a nearby bush.
“A coordinated search operation was immediately launched, with valuable assistance from members of the community. At about 0514 hours, two suspects were arrested. They were identified as Chinedu Onwe, 31, male, of Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, and Enobong Jonah, 35, male, of Otoro Abak Village, Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
“Items recovered during the operation include three large transformer solenoids, one live cartridge, assorted electrical tools, one large steel cutter, one Tecno mobile phone, one tricycle allegedly used to convey the vandalised components, and a red minibus with registration number ABIA 986 SSM,” CP Azare stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner has commended the officers and men involved in both operations for their courage, professionalism, vigilance and prompt response.
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, however, warned individuals and criminal networks involved in the vandalisation of critical infrastructure, sea piracy, abduction and other forms of violent crime that the Command will continue to identify, pursue and bring offenders to justice within the ambit of the law.
