Uyo, 28 April 2026 – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), rescued 14 passengers who had been seized by sea‑pirates on the Calabar–Oron waterways.
The operation, described by Deputy Superintendent of Police Timfon John as “intelligence‑driven” and “jointly coordinated,” was launched after sustained surveillance of identified flashpoints along the waterway. According to the spokesperson, operatives from both agencies intensified monitoring and executed targeted actions that led to the safe recovery of all hostages without any loss of life.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical assessment and treatment, as well as debriefings, before being reunited with their families. The police command emphasized that the swift response was possible because of robust inter‑agency collaboration and timely, credible intelligence.
Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare commended the professionalism and efficiency displayed by personnel from both the police and the EFCC. He reiterated the commitment to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and to maintain a heightened security presence along the state’s waterways. The commissioner also called on residents, maritime operators, and the public to continue providing accurate information to support ongoing operations.
Piracy along Nigeria’s inland and coastal waters has been a persistent security challenge, affecting trade routes and the safety of passengers travelling between key ports such as Calabar and Oron. The joint rescue underscores the growing emphasis on coordinated law‑enforcement actions to combat maritime crime in the Niger Delta region.
Authorities indicated that investigations remain active, with teams working to trace the network behind the kidnapping. Further updates are expected as the police continue to dismantle piracy operations and safeguard the waterways that are vital to the region’s economy and mobility.
