The Marine Police of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, acting on a tip-off have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Oron waterways in the state.
The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Timfon John, who made this known during the week via a press statement in Uyo, said operatives of the Marine Police, Oron, acted on credible intelligence regarding the planned kidnapping operation.
She also disclosed the police embarked on the joint intelligence-led operation with Marine Hunters to the 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 has reassured residents, particularly those in riverine communities, boat operators, fishermen and other waterways users, of their readiness to protect them and maintain security.
