Mathew Amaechi
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced significant breakthroughs in its fight against crime, including the arrest of 54 suspects across various operations and the successful repulsion of a sea piracy attack along the Oron-Calabar waterways. The achievements were highlighted by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, during a press briefing in Uyo today, covering operations conducted between May and June 2025.
One of the most notable successes occurred on May 10, 2025, when marine operatives of the command, engaged in a search and rescue mission, received a distress call about an ongoing sea pirate attack. CP Azare stated that officers swiftly mobilized to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle. Upon sighting the police gunboats, the pirates, who sustained bullet wounds, reportedly fled into a shallow creek.
Following the encounter, police operatives stormed the pirates’ camp, recovering a W23 speedboat fitted with a 200 HP Yamaha engine gearbox, a 15HP Yamaha engine (dismantled parts), a Dane gun, an improvised toolbox, an engine petrol generator, and an OX standing fan. Other items found included a rubber container with suspected charms, a white candle, and a black wallet containing a WAEC ID card, among other personal effects.
CP Azare detailed the marine operation, stating, “On 10th May, 2025 at about 1206hrs, operatives of the Marine Police, while conducting search and rescue operation along the Oron/Calabar waterways, received information from a reliable source about an ongoing sea pirate attack. Upon receiving the information, operatives of the marine swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the Marine Police patrol boats, the hoodlums open fire sporadically. The police operatives returned fire, forcing the pirates, who sustained bullet wounds, to escape into a shallow creek. The police stormed the pirates’ camp, which was successfully raided…”
Beyond the marine success, the Commissioner also revealed other significant milestones achieved by the command during the review period. These include: Arrest of suspected cultists and recovery of various firearms. Apprehension of suspected armed robbers and the seizure of weapons.
In a specific incident related to pipeline vandalism, CP Azare reported that on May 9, 2025, at approximately 5:05 AM, operatives responded to a distress call regarding a suspected pipeline vandal in Ikot Oboron. Police swiftly dispatched to the location, intercepted, and arrested Ekwere Obiowo Ernest, a 36-year-old male from Ukam in Edemeya clan, while he was actively vandalizing oil pipelines. Recovered items from the scene included a fireman FGP 088EG Generator, a filing iron, various spanners, and a Siemens Germany tool box.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the state’s residents and critical infrastructure.
