Police in Akwa Ibom State have foiled a planned kidnapping operation by criminal elements and recovered a pump-action gun, ammunition and two speedboats in Oron.
The Police Command announced this through DSP Timfon John, its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), assuring the public that it has intensified waterways surveillance and vowed to deny criminal elements a foothold in the state.
According to DSP John, operatives of the Marine Police, Oron, at about 0605 hours on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, acting on credible intelligence regarding a planned kidnapping operation within Oron, Akwa Ibom State, embarked on a joint intelligence-led operation with Marine Hunters to a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar–Oron Channel.
The operation, she said, was targeted at disrupting the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly planning to carry out a kidnapping operation within the Oron axis.
“Upon reaching the suspected 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.
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“The recovered items have been secured for safe custody, proper documentation and further necessary investigative action,” she stated.
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 PPRO assured that 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 Command reassures 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,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, FSI, 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 the State.
The Commissioner also expressed his profound appreciation to the Marine Hunters for their invaluable support, courage and operational commitment during the joint operation and 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 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.
The Command appreciates the people for their continued cooperation and support and assures the public that the Police remain resolute, proactive and strategically positioned to detect, disrupt and decisively respond to threats against public safety.
“The safety and security of Akwa Ibom State remain our collective responsibility,” he said.
