Akwa Ibom waterways kidnapping rescue sees police and EFCC free 14 passengers abducted by pirates along Calabar–Oron route

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have rescued 14 passengers abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.

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The operation, described by authorities as intelligence-driven and highly coordinated, was confirmed on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in a statement issued in Uyo.

According to the command, the rescue followed sustained surveillance and targeted interventions across identified flashpoints along the waterways, which have in recent times witnessed heightened criminal activity.

John stated that the victims were recovered safely without any loss of life, marking what she described as a successful outcome of inter-agency collaboration.

“Acting on credible intelligence, joint operatives intensified surveillance and launched targeted operations across identified flashpoints, culminating in the safe rescue of all victims without any loss of life,” she said.

The rescued passengers are currently receiving medical attention and undergoing debriefing procedures before being reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the professionalism displayed by operatives of both agencies, praising the synergy that led to the successful outcome.

He further assured residents and maritime users of intensified security presence along the waterways, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

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Authorities also urged members of the public to support security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing efforts to secure the state’s waterways.