1 Officer Missing, 2 Injured in Sea Pirates Attack on Police in Akwa Ibom
A Marine Police officer has been declared missing, and two others injured after a brutal attack by armed Sea Pirates on Akwa Ibom’s coastal waters. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command confirmed the assault, which targeted its Marine Police Patrol Team (MPPT) along the Oron-Calabar waterways.
Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, provided details of the attack, revealing that the patrol team, which was operating with fewer personnel, was ambushed by 24 armed Sea Pirates. A fierce gunfight ensued, during which the police sustained losses.
“The patrol team, on a routine operation, came under heavy fire from the criminals, who were armed and wearing military camouflage. The attackers, operating in three speedboats, attempted to overpower our officers in a violent gun battle,” DSP John said. “Despite being outnumbered, our officers fought bravely, but unfortunately, two officers, Inspector Sunday Usuyak and Inspector Edet Enenyi, were wounded by gunshots and are currently receiving treatment. One officer, Inspector Udi Emenyi, is still unaccounted for.”
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Mohammed Azare, has already mobilized tactical units and coordinated efforts with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to search for the missing officer and apprehend the fleeing pirates.
“The Akwa Ibom Police Command is fully committed to locating the missing officer and bringing the attackers to justice. Our waterways will not be allowed to serve as a refuge for criminals,” DSP John emphasized. She also appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in tracking down the perpetrators.
