The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a suspected kidnapping operation in Oron Local Government Area, recovering a pump-action gun, ammunition, two speedboats and four outboard engines.
The operation was carried out at about 6:05 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following credible intelligence about a planned kidnapping operation within the Oron axis.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives of the Marine Police, Oron, working alongside Marine Hunters, conducted a joint intelligence-led operation at a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar–Oron Channel.
The operatives reportedly stormed the suspected camp and recovered one Jojeef English pump-action gun, two cartridges and a white rope suspected to have been intended for criminal activities.
Also recovered were two speedboats, three 200HP outboard engines and one 15HP outboard engine.
The Police said the recovered items had been secured for safe custody, documentation and further investigation.
The Command said the operation was part of its intelligence-led strategy to identify and disrupt criminal networks before they could execute their plans, particularly those seeking to exploit the state's waterways as hideouts, operational routes or escape corridors.
It added that Marine Police operatives had intensified surveillance across strategic waterways and coastal communities following the operation.
The Police assured residents of Oron and other riverine communities, as well as boat operators, fishermen and waterways users, that the area remained calm and peaceful, with no incident reported after the operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and effective use of actionable intelligence.
Azare also appreciated the Marine Hunters for their support during the operation and urged them to sustain their cooperation with the Police and other security agencies in securing the state's waterways.
The Commissioner warned kidnappers and other violent criminals, including those operating across state boundaries, against using Akwa Ibom as a safe haven, staging ground or escape corridor.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements involving persons, vessels or activities to the Police and other security agencies.
The Command said it remained committed to proactive policing and protecting lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.
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