The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has thwarted a planned kidnapping in Oron Local Government Area, seizing weapons, ammunition, and speedboats allegedly belonging to a criminal syndicate.
Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John said in a statement that Marine Police operatives, working with Marine Hunters, raided a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar–Oron Channel after receiving credible intelligence.
Recovered items included a Jojeef English pump-action gun, cartridges, ropes, two speedboats, three 200HP outboard engines, and one 15HP engine.
The command described the operation as part of its proactive strategy to dismantle criminal networks before they strike.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised the officers for their professionalism and warned that Akwa Ibom would not serve as a safe haven for kidnappers or armed criminals.
He urged residents, fishermen, and boat operators to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.
“The safety and security of Akwa Ibom State remain our collective responsibility,” Azare said, reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and strategic partnerships to secure waterways and coastal communities.