POLICE FOIL KIDNAP PLOT, RECOVER WEAPONS AND SPEEDBOATS IN AKWA IBOM

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping operation in the Oron area of the state, recovering firearms, ammunition and two speedboats believed to have been intended for use by suspected kidnappers. The operation was carried out on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, along the Calabar–Oron waterways following intelligence indicating that criminal elements were preparing to abduct their targets.

The security operation reportedly involved Marine Police operatives and local hunters, who moved into the waterways after receiving information about the suspected criminal camp. The combined team disrupted the planned operation and recovered the equipment allegedly prepared for the movement of victims and suspects through the waterways. The discovery of the speedboats has raised concerns over the use of the riverine routes by criminal groups to facilitate kidnapping activities.

Authorities also recovered a firearm and ammunition during the operation. The intervention is expected to strengthen security around Oron and surrounding riverine communities, where waterways provide access to several coastal settlements and can make it difficult for security agencies to track criminal movements. Police are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected kidnapping group who may have escaped during the operation.

The latest development highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing and cooperation between security agencies and local communities in tackling kidnapping in the state's riverine areas. The recovery of the boats and weapons could also provide investigators with useful evidence as they work to determine the identity and network of the suspected criminals.

Security agencies have continued to increase surveillance along waterways in the region as part of efforts to prevent kidnappers and other criminal groups from exploiting difficult-to-access areas. The successful disruption of the alleged operation is expected to further intensify the search for individuals linked to the planned attack and strengthen security around communities bordering the Calabar–Oron channel.