…recover engines; arrest transformer vandals
By Ime Silas
UYO — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded two major operational breakthroughs, rescuing abducted fishermen including a Ghanaian national from sea pirates in Ibeno and arresting two suspected transformer vandals in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The success stories were contained in a press release issued on 2nd October, 2026 and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John for the State Commissioner of Police.
According to the Command, the first operation followed credible intelligence on vandalism of critical public infrastructure.
The statement said, “At about 0311 hours on 1st October 2026, the Command received credible information that suspected criminals had vandalised a community transformer in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and carted away several components in a tricycle before transferring the stolen items into a red minibus.”
DSP John said acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command mobilized and intercepted the suspected vehicle along the Etinan route.
“During the ensuing pursuit, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the Police before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing into a nearby bush,” the release stated.
She added that a coordinated search operation was immediately launched with valuable assistance from members of the community.
“At about 0514 hours, two suspects were arrested. They were identified as Chinedu Onwe, 31, male, of Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, and Enobong Jonah, 35, male, of Otoro Abak Village, Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State,” the PPRO said.
The Command listed items recovered during the operation to include “three large transformer solenoids, one live cartridge, assorted electrical tools, one large steel cutter, one Tecno mobile phone, one tricycle allegedly used to convey the vandalised components, and a red minibus with registration number ABIA 986 SSM.”
In a separate operation along the waterways, the Command said it successfully rescued victims of alleged sea piracy and abduction in Ibeno Local Government Area.
“At about 0700 hours on 30th September 2026, information was received that a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, had been attacked and abducted by suspected sea pirates while travelling towards the Atlantic Ocean,” the statement said.
The Command said personnel of the Asawana Mobile Police Base were immediately mobilized to the area.
“The operatives subsequently encountered the suspected pirates around the ocean boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, resulting in an exchange of gunfire,” DSP John stated.
She added, “The suspected pirates eventually abandoned their boat and escaped into a nearby creek, while the Police successfully rescued the victims unharmed.”
Items recovered from the sea pirates, according to the police, include one 200HP outboard engine, one 40HP outboard engine with a W23 flying boat, five 40HP outboard engines, three 9.9HP outboard engines, five containers of mixed PMS, four empty containers, three gas cylinders, mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, one power bank, one starter motor battery, one torchlight and an identity card bearing a NIN number, among other items.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, mnipr, was quoted as commending the officers and men involved in both operations “for their courage, professionalism, vigilance and prompt response.”
The Commissioner equally appreciated members of the affected communities, noting that their timely information and cooperation contributed significantly to the successes recorded.
He stressed that “effective policing remains a shared responsibility between the Police and the public.”
CP Azare also issued a stern warning to criminal elements in the state.
He “warned individuals and criminal networks involved in the vandalisation of critical infrastructure, sea piracy, abduction and other forms of violent crime that the Command will continue to identify, pursue and bring offenders to justice within the ambit of the law.”
The Command reiterated that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information through appropriate channels.
“Members of the public are also strongly advised not to confront suspected criminals or take the law into their own hands, but to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the Police,” the statement added.
The Command restated its resolve, saying it “remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.”
