By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Sustained efforts by Akwa Ibom State Police Command to prevent criminal activities, protect lives and property in the state, including the waterways, have recorded significant breakthrough.
On September 8, 2026, operatives of the Marine Police, Oron, acting on credible intelligence regarding a planned kidnapping operation within Oron Local Government area, embarked on a joint intelligence-led operation with Marine Hunters to a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar–Oron channel.
The operation was targeted at disrupting the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly planning to carry out a kidnapping operation within the Oron axis.
DSP Timfon John who is the Police Public Relations Officer in the State confirmed the incident to newsmen stating that the operatives of the Command had, upon reaching the suspected camp, recovered some items.
These include, one Jojeef English pump-action gun; two cartridges; one white rope suspected to be intended for criminal use, two speedboats; three 200HP outboard engines and one 15HP outboard engine.
DSP John added that the recovered items were secured for safe custody, proper documentation and further necessary investigative action.
“The operation is part of the Command’s sustained intelligence-led and proactive policing strategy aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks before they are able to execute their plans.
“The Command remains particularly focused on denying criminal elements the opportunity to exploit the State’s waterways as operational corridors, hideouts or escape routes. Accordingly, Marine Police operatives have continued to maintain heightened vigilance across strategic waterways and coastal communities,” the PPRO added.
Meanwhile, the Command has reassured residents, particularly those in riverine communities, boat operators, fishermen and other waterways users, that the waterways and surrounding areas remain calm and peaceful, with no incident reported following the operation.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and effective utilisation of actionable intelligence.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deploying intelligence, operational resources and strategic partnerships to proactively prevent crime and safeguard the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner also expressed his profound appreciation to the Marine Hunters for their invaluable support, courage and operational commitment during the joint operation.
He urged the Marine Hunters to sustain their support and cooperation with the Police and other security agencies in the collective effort to protect the waterways and coastal communities.
The Commissioner further warned criminal elements, including those operating across state boundaries, that Akwa Ibom State will not serve as a safe haven, staging ground or escape corridor for kidnappers, armed criminals or other perpetrators of violent crime.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report credible information concerning suspicious movements, persons, vessels or activities to the Police and other relevant security agencies.
