The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has disrupted an alleged kidnapping operation in the Oron axis of the state, recovering two speedboats and other items from a suspected criminal camp.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, followed credible intelligence about plans by a suspected criminal syndicate to abduct people within the area.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, operatives of the Marine Police in Oron worked with Marine Hunters in an intelligence-led operation targeting the suspected camp along the Calabar–Oron Channel.
John said the team arrived at the location at about 6:05 a.m. on September 8, 2026, as part of efforts to prevent the suspected criminals from executing their plans.
During the operation, the operatives recovered two speedboats, a pump-action gun, two cartridges and a white rope suspected to have been intended for criminal activities, among other items.
The police spokesperson said the recovered items had been taken into custody and properly documented as investigations continue.
She siad the operation is part of the command’s proactive policing strategy aimed at detecting and dismantling criminal networks before they carry out attacks.
The command also said it would continue to prevent criminals from using Akwa Ibom’s waterways as hideouts, escape routes or channels for carrying out criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, praised the operatives for their courage, professionalism and effective use of intelligence.
Azare said the command would continue to deploy intelligence, operational resources and partnerships with relevant groups to prevent crime and protect residents across the state.