Police Foil Planned Kidnap Operation In Akwa Ibom, Recover Arms

Operatives of the Police Command, Akwa Ibom, have foiled a planned kidnap operation in Oron Local Government Area of the state

The police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday.

‎DSP John said the command received credible intelligence from members of the public who reported a suspected plan to carry out a kidnap operation around the Oron axis of the state.

‎She said that following the report, operatives of the command embarked on a joint intelligence-led operation to a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar-Oron channel.

‎John said that during the operation, police operatives recovered one pump-action gun, two cartridges, and one white rope suspected to be intended for criminal use.

‎According to her, the police also recovered two speedboats, three 200HP outboard engines, and one 15HP outboard engine.

‎The police spokesperson said the recovered items had been properly documented and kept in safe custody for necessary investigation.

‎John said that the operation was part of the command’s sustained intelligence-led and proactive policing strategy.

‎“The strategy is aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks before they are able to implement their plans.”

‎She further said that the command was committed to denying criminals the opportunity of turning the waterways in Cross River to their operational corridors, hideouts or escape routes.

‎She said the marine police unit had continued to maintain heightened vigilance across strategic waterways and coastal communities in the state.

‎John expressed the command’s commitment to the safety of residents of coastal communities, boat operators, fishers and other waterway users.

‎She said the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, was delighted by the gallantry of police personnel in the state.