Akwa Ibom: Police foil kidnapping operation in Oron waterways

Akwa Ibom State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt along Oron waterways in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Tuesday, said operatives of the Marine Police, Oron, acting on credible intelligence regarding a planned kidnapping operation within the area, embarked on a joint intelligence-led operation with Marine Hunters to a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar–Oron Channel.

She said 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.

“Upon arriving the camp, the operatives recovered the following items: one (1) Jojeef English pump-action gun; Two (2) cartridges; One (1) white rope suspected to be intended for criminal use; Two (2) speedboats; Three (3) 200HP outboard engines; and One (1) 15HP outboard engine,” the statement said.

She added that the recovered items have been secured for safe custody, proper documentation and further necessary investigative action.

The statement noted that the commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed, while commending the operatives and the marine hunters for their professionalism and proactiveness, reassured residents, particularly those in riverine communities, boat operators, fishermen and other waterways users, of their readiness to protect them and maintain security.