The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed that its Marine Division successfully repelled a recent sea pirate attack along the Oron-Calabar Waterway.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, revealed that the marine police operatives acted swiftly after receiving intelligence about an ongoing pirate assault during a search-and-rescue mission in the area.
According to DSP John, no fewer than seven armed sea pirates in a speedboat were attacking innocent travellers and residents on the waterway.
“Our Marine Police Division responded promptly and mobilised officers to the scene. The hoodlums opened fire, engaging our personnel in a gun battle. However, they were overpowered by the superior firepower of our operatives,” she stated.
The statement added that the pirates, who sustained gunshot wounds, managed to escape into a shallow creek that was inaccessible to police patrol boats. Despite this, the police conducted a follow-up operation that led to the successful raid of the suspects’ hideout.
During the raid, the following items were recovered: One locally fabricated firearm, Two live K2 ammunition rounds, Two spent K2 ammunition shells, One speedboat with a single 200 hp Yamaha engine gearbox, One 15hp Yamaha engine, and Dismantled engine components.
Others are an improvised toolbox, a petrol generator, an OX standing fan and other assorted items
DSP John also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the pirate gang.
