Aniefiok Christopher
Akwa Ibom Police Command has rescued abducted fishermen from sea pirates and recovered stolen outboard engines along the waterways of Ibeno Local Government Area in the state.
A press release signed by the command’s Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said ‘‘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.
According to John, ‘‘Personnel of the Asanwana 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.
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‘‘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.’’
Police Nabbed Transformer Vandals
In another development, the Command has arrested transformer vandals along Etinan corridor.
This was based on the sustained efforts to combat criminality, protect critical infrastructure and safeguard lives and property across the State.
‘‘At about 0311 hours on 1st October 2026, the Command received credible information that suspected criminals had vandalised a community transformer in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and carted away several components in a tricycle before transferring the stolen items into a red minibus,’’ a press release signed by the command’s Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, stated.
According to the release, ‘‘Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command mobilised and intercepted the suspected vehicle along the Etinan route.
‘‘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.’’
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare 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.
Azare 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.
He reiterated that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Command, therefore, urged residents of Akwa Ibom State to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police through appropriate channels. Members of the public are also strongly advised not to confront suspected criminals or take the law into their own hands, but to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the Police.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command noted that the command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
