By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping operation in Oron Local Government Area of the state, recovering a pump-action gun, ammunition and other items suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday. She says the operation followed credible intelligence from members of the public about a suspected plan to abduct people around the Oron axis. Acting on the information, police operatives conducted a joint intelligence-led operation at a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar-Oron channel.
During the operation, officers recovered one pump-action gun, two cartridges and a white rope suspected to be intended for criminal use. They also recovered two speedboats, three 200-horsepower outboard engines and one 15-horsepower outboard engine.
John says that the recovered items had been documented and secured as investigations continue. She added that the operation was part of the command’s proactive policing strategy to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks before they execute their plans.
The spokesperson says the command would continue to prevent criminals from using waterways as operational corridors, hideouts or escape routes, while the Marine Police Unit has intensified surveillance across strategic waterways and coastal communities.
She assures residents, boat operators, fishermen and other waterway users of the command’s commitment to their safety. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, commended the officers for their professionalism, courage and effective use of intelligence.
