Marine Police, Hunters disrupt suspected criminal camp along Calabar–Oron Channel
By TQM News,
A planned kidnapping operation in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, has reportedly been foiled following a joint intelligence-led operation by the Police Marine Unit and Marine Hunters, resulting in the recovery of a pump-action firearm, ammunition, two speedboats and four outboard engines.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, September 8, 2026, is part of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s intensified efforts to prevent criminal elements from using the state’s waterways as hideouts, operational corridors or escape routes.
According to the Police Command, the operation commenced at about 6:05 a.m. after operatives of the Marine Police in Oron received credible intelligence concerning a suspected kidnapping plot within the Oron axis.
Acting on the intelligence, the Marine Police, working alongside Marine Hunters, moved to a suspected criminal camp located along the Calabar–Oron Channel.
The operation was reportedly designed to disrupt the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly preparing to carry out a kidnapping operation in the area.
Gun, Ammunition and Speedboats Recovered
Upon reaching the suspected camp, the operatives recovered several items believed to be connected to the suspected criminal activities.
The items recovered included:
- One Jojeef English pump-action gun
- Two cartridges
- One white rope suspected to have been intended for criminal use
- Two speedboats
- Three 200HP outboard engines
- One 15HP outboard engine
The Police Command said the recovered items have been secured, properly documented and preserved for further investigative action.
The discovery of the speedboats and powerful outboard engines is particularly significant given the strategic importance of Akwa Ibom’s waterways to both legitimate economic activities and criminal networks operating across riverine communities.
Police Intensify Waterways Surveillance
The latest operation underscores the growing focus of the Akwa Ibom Police Command on intelligence-led policing and preventive security operations.
Rather than waiting for criminal activities to occur, the Command said it is working to identify and disrupt suspected criminal networks before they are able to execute their plans.
The Police said it has maintained heightened surveillance across strategic waterways and coastal communities in an effort to prevent criminals from exploiting the waterways as staging grounds or escape routes.
The Command also reassured residents of riverine communities, boat operators, fishermen and other waterways users that the area remains calm and peaceful following the operation.
No incident was reported after the security operation, according to the Police.
CP Azare Commends Operatives
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives involved in the operation for what he described as professionalism, courage and effective utilisation of actionable intelligence.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deploying intelligence, operational resources and strategic partnerships to prevent crime and protect residents across the state.
CP Azare also expressed appreciation to the Marine Hunters for their support and operational commitment during the joint operation.
He urged them to sustain their cooperation with the Police and other security agencies as efforts continue to secure the state’s waterways and coastal communities.
‘Akwa Ibom Will Not Be a Safe Haven’
The Commissioner issued a strong warning to criminal elements, including those operating across state boundaries, that Akwa Ibom State would not be allowed to become a safe haven, staging ground or escape corridor for kidnappers, armed criminals and other perpetrators of violent crime.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements, vessels or activities to the Police and other relevant security agencies.
The Command further appealed for continued cooperation between security agencies and members of the public, stressing that intelligence from residents remains critical to preventing crime.
The Police maintained that the safety and security of Akwa Ibom State is a collective responsibility, assuring residents that it remains proactive, resolute and strategically positioned to detect, disrupt and respond to threats against public safety.
The statement was signed by DSP Timfon John, LLB, ANIPR, FCLMI, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
The Qualitative Magazine will continue to monitor developments surrounding the security situation in Akwa Ibom and other parts of the country.
