By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist Crime Desk
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled an alleged planned kidnapping operation in Oron Local Government Area, recovering a pump-action gun, ammunition, two speedboats and four outboard engines from a suspected criminal camp.
The operation, which took place at about 6:05 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, was carried out by operatives of the Marine Police, Oron, in collaboration with Marine Hunters.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operatives acted on credible intelligence concerning a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly planning to execute a kidnapping operation within the Oron axis.
The joint team proceeded to a suspected criminal camp located along the Calabar–Oron Channel, where they 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 the recovered items had been secured for safe custody, proper documentation and further investigative action.
The Command described the operation as part of its sustained intelligence-led and proactive policing strategy aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks before they could execute their plans.
It said particular attention was being paid to the State’s waterways to prevent criminal elements from using them as operational corridors, hideouts or escape routes.
The Command consequently assured residents of riverine communities, boat operators, fishermen and other waterways users that the waterways and surrounding areas remained calm and peaceful, with no incident reported following the operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the Marine Police operatives for their professionalism, courage and effective use of actionable intelligence.
Azare also appreciated the Marine Hunters for their support and operational commitment during the joint operation, urging them to sustain their cooperation with the Police and other security agencies.
The Commissioner warned criminal elements, including those operating across state boundaries, that Akwa Ibom would not provide a safe haven, staging ground or escape corridor for kidnappers, armed criminals and other perpetrators of violent crime.
He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, persons, vessels and activities to the Police and other relevant security agencies.
The Command reiterated its determination to intensify surveillance of the State’s waterways and coastal communities, stressing that the safety and security of Akwa Ibom remained a collective responsibility.
