Police thwart kidnap plot, seize gun, speedboats in Oron
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping operation in Oron, recovering a pump-action gun, ammunition, two speedboats and four outboard engines from a suspected criminal hideout.
The operation was carried out at about 6.05 am on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, by Marine Police operatives in Oron, working with Marine Hunters, following intelligence about a planned kidnapping along the Calabar–Oron Channel.
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Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping operation in Oron, recovering a pump-action gun, ammunition, two speedboats and four outboard engines from a suspected criminal hideout.
The operation was carried out at about 6.05 am on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, by Marine Police operatives in Oron, working with Marine Hunters, following intelligence about a planned kidnapping along the Calabar–Oron Channel.
The operatives moved to the suspected criminal camp and recovered one Jojeef English pump-action gun, two cartridges, a white rope suspected to have been intended for criminal use, two speedboats, three 200-horsepower outboard engines and one 15-horsepower outboard engine.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the recovered items had been secured and documented as part of the ongoing investigation.
He said the operation was part of the command’s intelligence-led strategy to disrupt criminal activities before they were carried out, particularly along the state’s waterways and coastal communities.
Timfon John said the Command had intensified surveillance of strategic waterways to prevent criminals from using them as hideouts, operational routes or escape corridors.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the Marine Police operatives and Marine Hunters for their prompt response, professionalism and effective use of intelligence.
Azare said the Command would continue to collaborate with relevant security partners and community stakeholders to protect residents and critical waterways across the state.
He warned kidnappers and other violent criminals against using Akwa Ibom as a staging ground or escape route, stressing that the Command would pursue anyone found attempting to operate within the state.
The commissioner urged residents, boat operators, fishermen and other waterways users to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vessels or activities to the police.
