Police Assures Rescue Of Kidnapped 12 Travellers Along Calabar-Akwa Ibom Waterways

TUESDAY April 29, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

The Cross River State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force has assured that about 12 passengers allegedly kidnapped along the Calabar-Akwa Ibom State waterways by suspected sea pirates will be rescued.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosanyin, gave the assurance in a press release issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, on Monday, April 28, 2025.

The Command stated that the unfortunate incident, which was not reported to the Marine Police Department or any unit of the Cross River State Command at the time of occurrence, hindered immediate intervention. The police noted that preliminary intelligence indicates that the incident, which occurred along Calabar/Oron Waterways, opposite James Creek, makes it difficult for the Command to independently verify or act promptly on the report as of the time of the press interview.

The Command expressed that, despite jurisdictional limitations, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosanyin has directed the Marine Department to activate all necessary measures. This, he said, includes intensified synergy with the Nigerian Navy, Akwa Ibom State Command, and other relevant sister security agencies to ensure swift and coordinated efforts toward locating and rescuing the alleged victims.

“The CP has engaged with the NN Victory Naval Commodore, A. Oride, on deep-sea rescue operations of the victims, because it is suspected the victim had been transported to a location in the high-sea deep water location which the Navy commander are currently combing.”

CP Olusegun Eyitayo reassures the public that protecting lives and property remains “our constitutional mandate and top priority. Furthermore, dissemination of accurate and verified information through the Police Public Relations Department will continue to serve as a vital bridge between the Command and the good people of Cross River State,” he said.

The police Boss advised: “We urge members of the Public to remain calm and vigilant while also cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can aid ongoing operations.”