By Benson Daniel
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping operation in the Oron axis of the state, recovering a pump action gun, ammunition, a rope, speedboats and outboard engines from a suspected criminal camp.
The operation followed credible intelligence received from members of the public about a suspected plan by a criminal group to carry out a kidnapping operation around Oron.
Acting on the information, operatives of the Marine Police in Oron, working alongside Marine Hunters, conducted a joint intelligence led operation at a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar Oron Channel.
The operation was carried out at about 6:05am on Tuesday as part of efforts to disrupt the suspected syndicate before it could execute its alleged plan.
During the operation, the security personnel 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 200 horsepower outboard engines and one 15 horsepower outboard engine.
The police said all the recovered items had been secured, properly documented and kept in safe custody for further investigation.
The command said the operation formed part of its sustained intelligence led and proactive policing strategy aimed at identifying and dismantling criminal networks before they are able to carry out their plans.
Particular attention is being placed on the state’s waterways, which security agencies say could be exploited by criminal elements as operational corridors, hideouts or escape routes.
The Marine Police have consequently maintained heightened surveillance across strategic waterways and coastal communities in an effort to prevent criminal activities and protect residents.
The command assured people living in riverine communities, boat operators, fishermen and other waterway users that the waterways and surrounding areas remained calm following the operation.
Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism, courage and effective use of actionable intelligence.
He also appreciated the Marine Hunters for their support and operational commitment, urging them to sustain their cooperation with the police and other security agencies.
Azare warned criminal elements, including those attempting to operate across state boundaries, that Akwa Ibom would not be allowed to become a safe haven, staging ground or escape route for kidnappers and other violent criminals.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide security agencies with credible information about suspicious persons, movements, vessels or activities within their communities.
The police said continued cooperation between security agencies and residents remains essential to preventing kidnapping and other forms of violent crime, particularly in riverine areas where waterways can provide access and escape routes for criminal groups.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security across Akwa Ibom and sustaining intelligence driven operations aimed at preventing threats before they develop into attacks.
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